we subjoin a concise account of its construction.
The machine consists of a frame, which supports a cylinder, three feet in diameter, and ten inches in breadth; made of dry wood or metal; and its circumference being covered with smooth leather. On this, are placed six rollers, also covered with leather, and upheld in their situations by slits made in a piece of wood, in which the iron axes of the rollers move, at the same time suffering them to press on the principal wheel: such rollers are of different weights; the highest on the cylinder weighing two stone, while the others gradually decrease, so that the lowest is only two lbs. in weight. A cloth is placed beneath the cylinder, that revolves upon two rollers, inserted in the frame; and by its side there is a table of an equal length and breadth, furnished with two similar cloths.
The workman lays on this table a greater or smaller quantity of the material intended to be spun, according to the degree of fineness required; spreading it uniformly on the cloths, whence he removes and applies it to the revolving cloth. The rollers and cylinders are then put in motion by wheel-work moved by a horse, water, or any other impulsive power; the wool, &c. is drawn forward, and extended, during its passage, into a thread or sliver; which, on being submitted to the adtion of a similar machine, but of different dimensions, is spun into thread of various degrees of fineness: after the yarn has thus passed beneath the rollers, it falls into canisters suspended below, for its reception.—A minute specification of this useful machinery is inserted in the 16th vol. of the "Repertory of Arts," &c. where it is illustrated by an engraving.
By the 12 Geo. II. c. 21, §. 5, 6, 7; and 26 Geo. III. c. 11, Linen, Woollen, or Bay-yarn, may be imported from Ireland, in British-built vessels, duty-free, provided they be regularly entered; but, from other countries, Cable-yarn is subject to the duty of 9s. 412d. per cwt.;—Cotton-yarn pays 3d. 17-20 per lb.; though, when imported from Ireland, it is free from the customs;—Grogram-yarn is chargeable with 834d. per lb.;—Raw-linen-yarn, with 1d. 7-10 per lb.;—Wick-yarn pays 1l. 15s. 1114d. per cwt.; and Worsted-yarn, 11d. per lb.
YARROW, the Common, or Milfoil, Achillea Millefolium, L. an indigenous perennial, growing in meadows, pastures, and on road-sides; blowing from June till August.—The flowers of this vegetable yield an essential oil, which possesses an aromatic odour, a bitter taste, and is similar to that of chamomile.—A decoction of its leaves with chamomile flowers is said to form a corroborant diet-drink for children who, on account of their rapid growth, are unable to retain their water, during the night: but, for this purpose, from one to two pints of such preparation ought to be taken in the course of 24 hours.—Linnæus observes, that the Dalecarlians have a practice of throwing the flowers and leaves of the common yarrow into beer, while in a state of fermentation; with a view to increase its intoxicating effects.—Bautsch, in Germany, has usefully employed the whole herb, in the process of tanning.
The Milfoil being a creeping
