Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1907-01-17
NEW CLOTH FIBER.
Great Things Hoped From "sraziIian
Linen

A revolution is promised in the linen
industry Of the world through the dis
covery and development of a new linen
plant indigenous to Brazil and some of
the great fertile plains of South Ameri-
ca. The new plant is known as Can
hamo Brazilinensis perrin, or Brizilian
linen. It's practical development is now
being effected upon several experiment.
al plantations. the most notable of
which is at Bea Vista, in the state of
Rio Janeiro. The development was be-
gun with the assistance 6f the state
government as has continued to a point
at which it may be stated without
question that the fiber is a success and
that it's influence will be felt at once in
the fabric world. The product of the
plantations already established has been
contracted for by British interests at a
includes an area of 100000 square
meters of growing plants at Redeiro
and the one at Bea Vista will soon have
more than 100000 square meters.
The Brazilian linen plant is virtually
q weed, which grows from IL to is feet
high in four or five months, and re-
sembles hemp in general appearance.
Special advantages are claimed for 1t
over European linen and other similar
fiber plants. 1t is absolutely hardy, re-
sisting alike the dry or the rainy season,
bearing equally well in dry or wet soil,
and not being prey to insects or mil
deu. 1t requires no care or special at
tention after planting, and natures SO
nj hof nrnr In tlAr
three months after sowing, which
means that threecraps year can be
had. 1t can be grown upon what are
now vast tracts Of practically waste
land with comparatively little outlay
Of capital. The fiber has all the
necessary qualities required for
for high-class uSe-,Strength fine
ness, flexibility and adaptability for
bleaching or dyeing-and every portion
of the plant can be used for some in
dustrial purpose.
The wild plant furnishes fiber which
is excellent, but the cultivated plant
shows finer one, with strands Of great
er length, being much longer than
European linen or hemp. In fact it is
so long that it must be cut before being
! used for weaving purposes. Experiments
to test it's strength show that linen
brake when the weight attached reash-
ed 15.4 pounds. European hemp broke
under a strain of 90 pounds, and Bra
lillian fiber, "a" broke under 1875
pounds. "B" under 80 pounds and &C.
under 26.4 pounds.
The fiber runs in three grades, the
finest Of which corresponds to the hes,
| linen, the second to cease linen and the
third to European hemp. From the
fiber of the plant. therefore, come both
fine linen and strong rope. The residue
OF the plant is high-grade cellulose, said
to be especially suitable for the manu-
facture Of fine writing paper. the white
ness and clearness of the stem Of the
| plant simplifying the process Of manu-
facture. The fiber is adapted to dyeine
and bleaching. The dyed samples have
lustrous and silky appearance.
The present cultivation of the new
| linen plant is largely experimental. The
best time for planting is said to be in
| November. which corresponds to May in
! more northern climes. The ground is
| prepared in September (March) and
! October (ApriD in two divisions. a
comparatively small space for growing
seed and the rest for industrial
purposes. The seed crop should be pre-