- COMPOSITION OF REFUSE FLAX STEMS. 209 
Dr. Hodges stated that the Flax liquid possessed considerable’ feeding 
qualities ; and Mr. Leadbetter in reply to his inquiry said that it had not 
been found to exhibit any purgative effect—the pigs at his works received 
it mixed with turnips and the husks of the Flax, and were in a thriving 
fattening condition. 
The vat liquid, Dr. Hodges observed, could be drawn off in a more con- 
centrated form than the sample examined, and it would be easy for the 
manufacturer, by employing a hydrometer, to supply it of uniform strength. 
Composition of the Ash of Flax Shoves. 
The shoves, or refuse woody matters, which are separated in scutching 
Flax, are at present employed in the steeping works as fuel. Dr. Hodges, 
in the course of the extended investigation of the Flax plant, in which he is 
at present engaged, found that the ash which remains on the incineration of 
these matters had the following composition, and might, therefore, advan- 
tageously be economised for use as manure. 100 parts of ash afford: 
Potash 3 é : ‘ ~ 773 
Soda . 9 : : 591 
Chloride of Sodium r a » 178 
Lime ‘ i z 20°15 
Magnesia y : . . . 5:46 
Oxide of Iron F F : . 560 
Sulphuric Acid . . - . 6:50 
Phosphoric Acid. . . . . 1043 
Carbonic Acid . ¥ . . . 20°10 
Silica P ‘ < a Fi . 16:00 
99-66 
1000 Ib. of shoves yield, on combustion, 193 lb. of ash. 
Upon this, Professor Wilson remarks : “ Here then we have a 
process which presents the following advantages over the 
ordinary methods: Ist. Great saving in time. 2d. Economy 
of fibre. 8d. Avoidance of any nuisance, and beneficial appli- 
cation of waste products.” All proving that a great advance 
had been made in principles in this process. 
As closely connected with Watt’s, we subjoin Professor 
Wilson’s account of another process. ‘‘ No sooner, however, 
had the spinners given their testimony in favour of Watt’s 
fibre, than another process was patented by Buchanan, which 
appears to be an improved application of the same principle as 
" Watt’s—for the solvent power is clearly not due to the steam, 
as made use of by him, but to the hot water occasioned by its 
condensation. In this, the steeping is effected by repeated 
immersions in a tank of heated water, arrangements being 
made by which the temperature is never allowed to exceed a 
certain degree—a point of great importance, both as regards 
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