206 TEXTILE FIBRES. 



fibres are then displayed, owing to the light having access to the finer 

 openings and interspaces. If afterwards the yarns are dyed, the light can 

 penetrate the openings and give effect to the luminosity of the fibrous 

 yarns. 



Fig. 133 is the yarn spun on the condenser mule still in the oil, as 

 is indicated by its oily white colour and its lively curly character. 



Fig. 134 shows the yarn when scoured and purified, giving it a clean 

 and white appearance ; but the elasticity of the curls is reduced by the 

 action of the scouring arid cleaning it has undergone. The yarn still 

 possesses its softness and roundness. 



Fig. 132. Sliver of wool. 



Fig. 135 is an illustration of woollen yarn when magnified. It shows 

 the fibres arranged spreadiugly and oozy-like, wflh fine interspaces between 

 the bulk of them. 



Woollen fabrics are always in demand for articles of dress. A com- 

 pact woollen cloth serves as baize curtains and pile woollen cloths are woven 

 to imitate sealskin. The numerous intercrossings of fibres that compose 

 a woollen cloth, and the felting character they assume, have the effect of 

 repelling the rain, whereas a material made up of cotton is more readily 

 absorbent. The hygroscopicity of the one is greater than that of the other. 



Wool, Short. The staple of this wool varies in length from 1 to 4 

 inches, arid is used for hose or soft clothing fabrics. 



Combing or long wool varies in length from 3 to 8 inches. " White- 



