The history of silk, cotton, linen, wool, and other fibrous ... - Cd3wd.com

CHAPTER XI
FIBRES, OR SILKEN MATERIAL OF THE PINE-APPLE.
Fibres of the Pine Apple—Facility of dyeing—Manner of preparing the fibres for
weaving—Easy cultivation of the i)lant—Thrives where no other plant will
live—Mr. Frederick Burt Zincke's patent process of manufacturing cloth from
the fibres of tiiis plant—Its comparative want of strength—Silken material pro-
cured from the Papyfera—Spun and woven into cloth—Cloth of this description
manufactured generally by the Otaheiteans, and other inhabitants of the South
Sea Islands—Great strength (supposed) of ropes made from the fibres of the
aloe—Exaggerated statements.
This plant, which has hitherto been valued solely as min-
istering to the luxuries of the table, has lately had a new in-
terest attached to it from the discovery of a fibre contained in
its leaves, possessing such valuable properties, that it will, in
aU probability, soon form a new and important article of com-
merce.
The fibres of the pine-apple plant are disposed in fasciculi,
each apparent fibre being an assemblage of fibres adhering to-
gether, of such exceeding delicacy, as only to measure from
—-!—th to T^j^th part of an inch in diameter ;
viewed under the
microscope, they bear considerable resemblance to silk, from
their glossy, even, and smooth texture. They appear altogether
destitute of joints, or other irregularities, and are remarkably
transparent, particularly when viewed in water :
they are very
elastic, of considerable strength, and readily receive the most
delicate dyes. This last fact appears singular, when we bear
in mind the resistance, if we may be allowed the expression,
which flax offers to dyes. With much trouble, and by long
processes, flax will receive a few dark dingy colors : all light
and brilUant ones it wholly resists ;
they do not enter the fibre,
but merely dry upon it externally, and afterwards easily peel,
or rub off,—in short, it may be said to be painted, and not
dyed.
The preparation of the pine-fibre is exceedingly simple. If
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