NEW MODE OF PREPARING FLAX. 181 



of the foundation and evidence I have for saying that he is 

 in error, will be to give the following calculations : For 

 example, No. 150 lea yarns are called 1 J Ibs., and should be 

 that weight when spun and made up into a bundle of 16| 

 hanks; it will take 1J Ib. of retted Flax to make the bundle ; 

 it loses the Jib. by being spun out of hot water, after which 

 it must be boiled in barilla, or soda ash, and most likely be 

 dipped in a solution of sulphuric acid before it be sufficiently 

 purged to be woven into linen or cambric ; after it has been 

 so boiled, etc., it is not only another Jib lighter in 

 weight, but as a consequence, it is less strong and it is 

 also soft and cotton-like, as the boiling takes from it much 

 of the twist, and the yarn is altogether of a cotton or down- 

 like appearance, all the short fibres being started on the 

 thread. 



' ' Now sir, permit me to contrast and point out the dif- 

 ference between yarns spun from retted Flax and yarns spun 

 from my Flax, made free, as it is before being spun, from all 

 resinous or colouring matter, IJlb. of Flax will spin IJlb. of 

 yarn it cannot be reduced in spinning the short fine fibre 

 or down-like stuff, if any be there, will be twisted in and will 

 level the yarn or thread in spinning, and it will appear 

 shining, with a glossy skin like a silk thread, and being ready 

 for the loom, it will not require further boiling, and conse- 

 quently no reduction in weight, it must therefore be stronger 

 and better yarn for any purpose. Again, the linen or cambric 

 made from such yarns will not require to be bleached, for 

 it is quite clear that all that will be necessary is to mill-wash 

 and beetle the goods, if they be linen, to finish them for 

 market; and I fearlessly assert that such goods will 

 be as fine and considerably stronger than goods ot 

 the same set made from the same number of yarns 

 spun from retted Flax. Expecting that this will meet 

 the eyes of the linen manufacturers, bleachers, and 



