276 ON HEMP. 



It is a matter of importance, that the workmen do not at once, 

 introduce too much of the Hemp among the teeth of the heckles : 

 on the contrary, they should at first introduce only a small part near 

 the end, and the rest by degrees, as far as the part they hold in their 

 hand. Hemp is heckled for the purpose of disentangling it, 

 dividing its fibres, and rendering it finer; and therefore, it may be 

 easily conceived, that if too great a length of Hemp were at first 

 introduced among the teeth of the heckles, it would be twisted into 

 knots, which would resist the efforts of the workman, till the fibres 

 of which they are composed were broken asunder. 



Thus, instead of being disengaged, the Hemp would be broken 

 and torn asunder; the Firsts or as they are by some termed Longs* 

 would be reduced to Toppets, or at least so much shortened, as to be 

 fit only to be classed among the Seconds, which would diminish the 

 useful part by increasing that which is not so useful. This inconve- 

 nience and loss may be prevented by introducing the Hemp 

 gradually into the heckle, and by proportioning the effort in pulling 

 to the strength of the fibres. It is in this respect that an experienced 

 workman distinguishes himself, by producing a greater quantity of 

 Hemp of the first quality. 



Some Hemp is so excessively long, that it is necessary to break 

 it* ; for it must not be cut, as the ends, where it is cut, are thick, 

 and such fibres cannot be joined so perfectly in spinning, as when 

 the Hemp terminates gradually. 



If 



* This refevs to Italian Hemp only* 



