32 
T. TADOKORO. 
In the present study we have tried to investigate the nature of the 
changes in different stages of retting and the chemical nature of the con- 
stituents of the flax stem. We have also studied the micro-organisms con- 
cerned in the retting process but the results are reserved for a future report. 
The microscopical studies were made under the direction of Prof. Dr. K. 
Shibata and the chemical studies under Prof. Dr. K. Osliima, to whom 
the author wishes here to express his hearty thanks for the valuable 
suggestions and kind courtesies extended to him. 
I. Materials for the Study. 
The material used in our studies was the flax, typical in size, qualities 
and ripening, and was produced in the vicinity of Sapporo, in the years 1908 
and 1909. 
The retting was done in a large crate, according to the usual method 
followed in Hokkaido. The methods practiced commonly here are of two 
kinds, the one is a large crate system and the other, a small frame system. 
The former resembles the Loppens and Deswarte system and the latter 
the pool retting or courtrai method, adopted in Europe. 1 ) 
In the large crate system a pit about 60 feet long and 9 feet wide is dug 
in a location, where the inlet and outflow of water can easily be managed and 
in it is placed a large crate of wood work. Each crate will hold about 8,000 
kin (13,200 lbs.) of flax stems. 
In the small frame system, frame works of wood, each having a lath floor 
and measuring about 12 feet long, 9 feet wide and 3.7 feet deep are floated 
in a pool which usually measures about 180 feet long, 60 feet wide and 5.5 
feet deep. Each frame will hold 1,600 kin (2,600 lbs.) of flax stems. 
When the fermentation is complete, the bundles are drawn out and are 
1) For the details of the methods see [C. K. Dodg e—Flax culture for seed and fiber in 
Europe and America — (U. S. Dep’t. of Agr. Fiber Investigation Office, Eeport No. 10, (1899) 
