THE METHOD OF TREATING FLAX.

Te Aroha News, Volume VII, Issue 392, 10 August 1889, Page 8

THE METHOD OF TREATING FLAX.

A Kansas paper received by the last San Francisco mail contains the following item :—: — A number of beautiful specimens of fl«x treated by a recently discovered process have been on exhibition to a f&roreil few in one of the rooms of the Exchange buil ling dining the wpek. The samples are as white as snow with threads as fine a.s silk. Nothing of the kind has ever before been shown in the west, and it is believed by many who have examined the specimens that the faimeis of Missouri sum Kansas will find the new invention a source of revenue which will add incnl- < ulrtbiy to their wealth. Prof. W. L. Wo.Kb, of Washington, D.0., brought tin 1 samples to the city, and has succeeded witii little exertion in arousing a deep im.erej-t among capitalists, " What is the object of your visit?" was asked. " Primarily to attend to private intesests, but at the same time to show to the people what is undoubtedly the result of one of the greatest inventions of the age. " I am prepared to show that all fibrous plants, flax, hemp, and jute especially, may be treated by a mechanical process tuat actually strengthens the textile fibre. The product, by ordinary processes, may be woven into cloth, rivalling silk in texture. The most remarkable fact, perhaps, connected with the process is that the raw material may be prepared for the manufactuier within thirty-six hours alter it is taken from the field. The old processes of retting and bleaching are thus entirely supplanted." " How dues this affect the farmer ?" "It affects the farmer to the extent that instead of expending his labour upon a ciop that yields lO'lols. to 25d015. per acre, he may receive 20Udols. to SOOdolsper acre. This applies especially to farmeis of the Mis.-ouri valley, where flax and hemp are almost indigenous to the soil. Dr Hobeits, a widely known chemist of Washington city, has devoted his life to an investigation of flax culture and manufacture, and the new process is his work. The proepss is bound to revolutionise the linen industry of the world and to establish it on a permanent basis in the United States. A company will be foimed in Kansas city which will give the raising of flax a new interest throughout the west. Dr Hobeits will visit the city in person at an early day." Professor Woods explained that the flax is piepared forthespinner bya decorticating or breaking machine and a chemical batlt — the invention and discovery of Dr Roberts.