INGENUITY AND LUXURY 



gradually and uniformly if the best results are to be 

 obtained. Sometimes this dyeing is done by centrifu- 

 gal machines, but other kinds of machines are used, 

 most of which keep the wool spread and turned evenly 

 in a chamber heated to the proper temperature. But 

 even after the most careful dyeing the wool is still 

 matted, and must be opened and brought to a loose 

 and free condition. This is done by passing it through 

 a series of rapidly revolving drums set with spikes and 

 so arranged that, as the various drums revolve in oppo- 

 site directions, the spikes of one just clearing those 

 of its neighbor, the wool is teased and becomes dis- 

 entangled, light, and fluffy. 



The natural wool contains quite a high percentage 

 of a peculiar oil, called the "yolk" or "suint," which 

 is removed by the action of the soap-suds in the scour- 

 ing process. This leaves the wool harsh and wiry, 

 and some oily substance must be added to make it 

 properly soft and elastic, and also to make the fibers 

 more adhesive so that a more level and finer yarn can 

 be spun. The application of the oil must be abso- 

 lutely uniform, and the quantity just sufficient to soften 

 the fibers without excess or waste. To do this the wool 

 is placed in machines that carry it in thin layers to a 

 spraying aparatus, which sprays it uniformly with 

 oleine, olive oil, or lard oil. 



One more operation is necessary before the wool is 

 ready for spinning or weaving, this being the blending 

 either of different qualities of wool, or with cotton or 

 other fibers. This is done in much the same manner 

 as in blending cotton, separate layers being passed 



