As a rival to the finest varieties of flax, it has perhaps a better prospect. Technical difficulties, however, arise in spinning the fibre on flax machinery, and owing to the stiffness of the fibre, the yarn produced is often very rough. A number of processes have been devised and patented, by J. H. Dickson (Godalming), Marshall (Leeds), Moerman (Ghent), Bonsor (Wakefield), for working up the fibre on flax machinery ; but the real conditions of success, where it is attained, are kept jealously secret. In comparing the two fibres, account must bo taken, not only of their relative market values, but also of the fact that the commercial Bcchnieria fibre still contains much of its natural gum, involving the cost of labour and chemicals for its removal, and consequent loss in weight, before it is ready for combing and spinning (see Linen Manufactures). The loss in weight amounts to 23-38 per cent., generally 30-34 per cent., so that the price of the available fibre is increased by 33-50 per cent., without including the cost of treatment. With the finest descrip tions of flax, it might compete in price, but the demand for such is limited ; that it will ever supplant ordinary flax, appears doubtful.
The hairy nature and length of the fibre point it to_sempete wool; especially long-shaped kiekis]-theafiftr1igt which liigh in comparison. Several manufacturers, e. g. Lister, Sangster, Wade and Sons, Whitaker (Bradford), China Grass Co. (Wakefield), have energetically followed up this promising outlet, though not always with success. The fibre is subjected to a chemical treatment, which causes time cella to separate, the lenge,t o 2 varying from 4-9 in. The loss by chemical treatment generally amounts to the weight of the imported fibre ; combing leaves about equal proportions of long fibre, and tow or " noils." Thus prepared, the fibre has been spun on worsted machinery (see Woollen Manufactures), and used like mohair, for glossy goods ; as a rule, the warp was cotton, and the weft was Bcehmeria yarn of com paratively little twist. The success of the experiment was foiled by the ease with which the fabric took and retained creases; this evil has since been remedied by using very thick cotton warps, or by mixing with wool. A new effect in woollen goods is now obtained by mixing 10-20 per cent. of Bcehmeria fibre with 90-80 per cent. of wool, combining before spinning, say on the carding-engine or willow, and taking the former a little longer than the latter. The yarn itAused for both warp and weft ; the wool employed may be either carded or combed ; and the cloth can be raised, milled, and woven, as usual. In dyeing the fabric, the advantage arises that the two fibres do not take the same dye. Moreover, the noils has been found very suitable for admixture with coarse wools, for blankets, shoddy, and other rough purposes.
Many experiments have been made in applying the fibre as a substitute for, or in admixture with, silk ; but the cost of the fibre, and the difficulties encountered in its preparation, preclude it from competition with jute for this purpose. At the same time, it must be remembered that the
study of the industrial applications of this beautiful fibre is yet in its infancy, and the inherent virtues of the fibre must ensure its extended use in textile fabrics, when the cultivation of the plant, and the extraction and preparation of the fibre, have received higher development. Even now, new uses are cropping up : Baker, Hill, and Sons (Nottingham) are employing it extensively for ladies' scarves ; and the Yorkshire Fibre Co. (Wakefield) are converting it into handkerchiefs, umbrella and parasol covers, &c. The combined strength and lightness of the fibre, and its great durability, and resistance to water, favour its application to the manufacture of ropes, cordage, and nets. In all respects save price, it is much superior to ordinary hemp, and, even in the matter of price, it does not compare so very unfavourably, as the cost and loss in preparing hemp is very considerable. Its competitors on this ground will probably be Manilla hemp (Musa tennis), Phormium tenor, and the Agaves. For canvas and sailcloth, its superiority over flax seems un doubted. To the paper-maker, its price is prohibitive ; but an admixture of a proportion of noils will impart strength and cohesion to very, inferior materials. The average weight sustained by slips of sized paper, each weighing 39 gr., made of this fibre, was 60 lb., as against Bank of England note pulp, 47 lb., and "raw" Agave americana fibre, 89 lb.
The market values and supplies of this fibre have hitherto been subject to the greatest fluctua tion. The former will depend upon the degrees of success with which the fibre may be made to replace others, as already indicated ; and an important condition necessary to the welfare of the industry will be the possibility of obtaining constant supplies, of uniform quality or qualities, and at a figure not exceeding 40/. a ton.
B. frutescens [Maoutia puya] Pooa.—Flourishes in the north of India, at elevations up to 4000 ft. It is taller than the preceding, and furnishes a similar fibre. Another nettle, called Villebrunia integrifolia, is found in the Himalayas up to 5000 ft., and in Sikkim at elevations where the rainfall is 100-200 in. yearly. The plant is a small tree. The fibre is more easily separated than that of the preceding, and is considered one of the strongest in India. These, and some other species, have been selected as eligible for culture in Victoria, especially in moist forest tracks. Much remains yet to be done in identifying the various Bcehmerias, which cover a very wide range, and in deciding which species or varieties will yield the most and best fibre adapted to Western wants. Some allied plants are discussed further on in this article (see Laportea pustulata ; Urtica sp. div.).