Phormiun Tenax.

Progress, Volume IV, Issue 6, 1 April 1909, Page 189

Phormiun Tenax.

We publish just above a letter from Mr. Drewet of Auckland, on the treatment of that grand asset of the Dominion, the Native Flax. He has attacked the question in a most illuminating manner, showing what may be done by a common sense method of working, and indicating the great value of the by-products now going to waste, and suggesting further improvements of mechanical treatment calculated to give this fibre the leading position in the economical life of the Dominion to which it is entitled. We commend the letter to the careful study of every practical man in the Dominion.

Many engineers and architects who make blue prints from their tracings experience difficulty in obtaining printing paper which will give good results. The following description will enable Progress readers to make first-class sensitised blue print paper at a very low cost. Two solutions are required (a) a solution of potassium ferricyanide, 1 ounce to 5 ounces of water, and (&) a solution of 1 ounce of citrate of iron and ammonia in 5 ounces of water. The solutions will keep for a long period in separate bottles. To sensitise the paper equal parts of each solution are mixed and applied to the surface of the paper by a wide, soft brush, the liquid being applied evenly all over the paper without leaving any flow lines or drip. The solutions, when mixed, are sensitive to light, and consequently after the mixture is made the rest of the work must be done by gaslight or in very feeble light. The paper, when coated, is suspended by pins or upon a line, in the dark, to dry. It is then ready for use. Printing should be done in bright sunlight, and after exposure the paper should be thoroughly washed until the white lines of the print appear thoroughly clear.