lode of applying the heaters is by making the retaining cylinders hol low, and by introducing s cylindrical beater into each retaining cylinder. These heaters are made exactly to fit the interior of the retaining cylinders, the axes of which pass through a channel for thatin the middle of the heater. It is to be observed that the heaters may rp°: within the driving cylindets with equal effect.
The qualities which distinguish woollen cloths from all other manufacture* and renders them particularly suitable for northern climates, are the compact ness and density they acquire from the operation of fulling. The cloth is sprinkled over with a liquor prepared from oil of olive soap dissolved in hot water, and then laid in the mill-trough, where it is pounded with heavy wooden hammers. By this proems a cloth 40 yards long, and 100 inches wide, is reduced to 30 yards long, and 60 inches wide. Dining the operation the cloth is taken from the trough, the wrinkles smoothened, and more soap added. The property of becoming thicker by compression is peculiar to woollen cloths. It is said that the fibres of the wool are thickly set with j4ged protuberances, which it is supposed catch hold of each other when together, and thus become inextricably united, so that the cloth when cut does not unravel like other cloth. After milling, the cloth is scoured with a preparation of fuller's earth and bullock's galls, till perfectly free from soap, and then taken to the cloth worker to be dressed. This operation is performed by first drawing out and placing in one direction, by means of wire canto and teazles, all the fibres of wool that can be brought to the surface, and then shearing them as close as may be practicable without laying the threads of the cloth bare. The instru ments employed in this process were formerly worked by hand ; but this opera tion is now performed by machinery, in a very superior manner to any manual efforts, and at a much less expense. When this process is completed, the cloth is taken to the rack, where It is strained so as to bring it to en even breadth throughout its length, and it is then sheared again, to render it perfectly level and uniform. All the little bits of straw or lint that mato it are now picked out, and any holes that may be discovered y fine-drawn. The cloth is next laid in a press with a sheet of glazed paper between every fold ; these are covered by thin boards, and hot iron plates laid thereon, by which a gloss is communicated to the cloth. After the press has been screwed down for a sufficient time, there is removed, and the cloth taken out and packed for sale.—We have an outline of the process of manufacturing of
woollen cloth, as it was generally conducted a few years ago but the rapid progress of mechanical invention during a very brief period, has made so exten sive a change in the apparatus and processes, as to preclude the possibility of a detailed description within the prescribed limits of this work ; we shall, however, before closing this article, notice two or three recent patents, the leading objects of which are to give to woollen cloths that silky softiies and gloss, for which the best finished modern fabrics are so distinguished.
Mr. Fussel'e mode of producing the lustre upon cloths, es stated in the speci fication, is in substance as follows.--After the cloth has undergone the usual dressing in the gig-mill, and hand•brushing, it is to be tightly wound upon a cylindrical roller, the extremities of which are to have deep grooves made round their peripheries, that will permit the list on the edges of the cloth to sink into them, and by these means preserve the cloth in a smooth and level surface. The roller of cloth so prepared is to be set on end for sonic time, to permit the water to drain off; it is then to be placed in either an open vessel over a steam boiler, and exposed to the action of the steam for three hours, or it may be placed in a close vessel into which the vapour is to be allowed to pass while it is made to revolve. The temperature of the steam proper to be employed depends upon the colour of the cloth, and the degree of lustre required; but in general the heat should be somewhat less than that of boiling water.
Mr. James Dutton's patent method consists in pressing the cloth at the time it is being heated. His press for this purpose has one fixed, broad, and fiat sur face or table, equal to the whole width of the cloth, and of suitable dimensions in the other direction to receive about a and of the cloth in length at a time, to receive the pressure ; which is effected by a fiat metal plate, or platten, of corresponding dimensions, made to rise and fall, and to be operated upon by powerful leverage, or hydrostatic pressure. To render the effect of this process permanent, heat and humidity are employed in conjunction with it. For this purpose a steam or hot-water chamber is formed in the table of the press, and the cloth is brought under the operation in its wet state, the pressure being con tinued upon each successive portion of cloth, for a certain number of minutes (varying with the " dress" required, and other circumstances).