212 STEEPING FLAX IN A GREEN STATE. 
“Ath. The fibre obtained is of a singularly soft and pliable 
character, and is much preferred by the spinner. 
«5th, The subsequent process of bleaching is greatly facili- 
tated, because it is the gluten which remains in the fibre which 
resists the action of bleaching ingredients, and under Mr. 
Pownall’s process the gluten is effectually removed. 
“The use is spreading more and more every day, and the re- 
sults are universally acknowledged as most satisfactory. The 
process adds from £10 to £380 to the value of the ton of Flax, 
according as the raw material is of inferior or superior quality; 
and the expense is the merest trifle.”’ 
These methods of preparing the fibre from Flax stems which 
have been dried and stacked, afford considerable advantages, as 
the seed becomes more ripe, and the farmer can choose a leisure 
time for the preparation of his Flax—or, better, he may con- 
fine his attention to growing the Flax, and then send it for 
careful preparation to the factory or rettory. 
Steeping green.\—With the above methods of separating 
Flax which has been stacked, we may contrast that of steep- 
ing the stems when green, and of which Professor Wilson 
says, that “when the quantity is small and can be worked up 
at once, would appear to be the most advantageous.” M. Dufer- 
mont, cultivateur 3 Hem (departement du Nord), found that 
when the Flax was used green, the steeping only required from 
six to seven days; and that six days’ grassing gave the Flax a 
finer colour than could be obtained by any other means. It 
was dried and ready for scutching in three weeks ; whereas the 
ordinary time in the district averaged from a year to a year 
and a half. He found also that it yielded 5 per cent. more 
fibre, which was worth fully 10 per cent. more money in the 
market. The Flax was pulled before it was quite ripe, the 
seed-bolls removed by rippling, and the straw immediately 
placed in the pits. The seed, however, was reduced about two 
francs per hectolitre in value. The details of the experiments 
he gives thus: 
1 The steeping of Hemp when in a green state, was strongly recommended by the 
Abbé Brulles; and the natives of India insist upon its being the best mode for 
Sunn, q. v. 
« 
