dropped in weight from 2.2 on the heavy side down to 3.7 per cent. on the light side, with a loss in weight of sample of 1.4 per cent. We find, from this slight change of only 3° of dewpoint, that the weight of the work at the railways has varied 5.9 per cent.; while the loss of moisture in sample was 1.4 per cent., and a loss in absolute humidity of .998 grains. Again, on July 8, 6 P.M., wind south-west, fair temperature, 95 dry, 80 wet, 75 dew-point, 52 relative humidity, with 9.358 grains water vapor in cubic foot of air, weight of sample, 135.5 grains. On July 9, 6 P.M., wind north-west, clear temperature, 84 dry, 66 wet, 53 dew-point, 34 relative humidity, with 4.527 grains of water vapor in cubic foot of air, weight of sample, 133.5 grains. Loss in water vapor, 51 per cent.; loss in sample, 1.4 per cent., and variation at railway heads of 8 per cent.

In presenting the result of these atmospheric changes, it is for the purpose of showing how essential it is for the welfare of the spinning and weaving that the carders keep a firm hold upon their work, so far as keeping numbers is concerned. There are two influences brought to bear upon cotton fibres during their processes of manufacturing through the card room. One is a damp atmosphere, and another is a dry atmosphere. These have to be guarded against by the carders, in order that the spinners and weavers may not feel the effects of them. When a damp spell of weather comes on, the tendency is to let the yarn become too heavy, not because there is moisture sufficient to make it heavy, but by reason of more cotton fibres per inch of yarn spun. On the other hand, when the atmosphere becomes divested of moisture, the work at the railway heads will shade light unless watched pretty closely, and the result will be light yarn, by reason of loss of cotton fibres. Now, as a result of this there is a loss to the manufacturer in two ways. First, if the yarn is spun and warped heavy, the cloth will grade on the heavy side of standard. This entails a loss to the manufacturer, from the fact that more cotton is in the yarn than ought to be. Second, if the yarn is spun and dressed light, the weaving will also be light. There is a loss

in the product from this state of things, as well as an increased per cent. of low-grade cloth.

I find quite a general feeling among mill men pointing in one direction, and that is this. They convey the idea in their remarks that the variations of loss and gain in yarns are due to the changes of weather in that the damp air goes in and comes out, thus leaving the yarn first heavy, then light. This theory in the abstract is correct, but not as a whole. I find in my daily weighings for some four or five years that the loss and gain in samples of cotton would not exceed four per cent., and in very much of the time the variations would not exceed two per cent. I find from this condition of things that it won't do to run our work as close as this during atmospheric changes. We must make allowance for the extra loss and gain that comes with these atmospheric changes.

In closing this paper, I wish to say that I am of the opinion that very much of the uneven yarn that is spun in our mills is caused by too much indifference in the carding departments in regard to the changes of weather, and the effect they have upon the work. If we expect to get uniform yarns, we must pay strict attention to our numbers in the card rooms. It is the poorest kind of policy to say the work will be all right when the weather changes. Better by all odds see to it that the work is all right before the weather changes, and not only that, but see to it that it is all right after the weather changes. With this care in the carding rooms there will be no necessity of poor spinning or weaving. Of course the very best care may be exercised, and then poor work get in; but, as a general thing, the spinning and weaving will run well.

The PRESIDENT.

Mr. SAUNDERS has suggested the evils of atmospheric changes. Mr. BOURNE of Manchester, N. H., will tell you you must go back to the picker-room to remedy those evils, and perhaps will tell you what he has done to remove them. Mr. KLABER will tell you how his theory is put in practice. I have the pleasure of presenting Mr. KLABER.

MANIPULATION OF THE ATMOSPHERE IN MILLS FOR THE PURPOSE OF CHARGING THE SAME WITH MOISTURE, SUCH MOISTURE BEING DISCHARGED WITH LARGE BODIES OF AIR, AND CAPABLE OF REGULATION BOTH AS TO QUANTITY OF AIR AND MOISTURE.

By EMILE H. KLABER, Boston, Mass.

In presenting a paper to this Association upon the subject of moistening the air in mills, I feel placed at a certain disadvantage, inasmuch as, while endeavoring to lay the facts connected with this matter before you in an unprejudiced and general manner, the fact that I am myself interested in such a system may tend to color my discussion of the subject with a prejudice which I do not desire it to possess.

In reviewing the various theories that are advanced and the conditions which are met and have to be grappled with in attempting to properly solve this problem, I may have occasion. to refer to devices that have been used in respect to the subject matter of this paper. I desire emphatically to state at the outset that my criticism of any such devices is not intended to apply to the specific device in question, but to the general principles involved in the construction thereof.

I furthermore wish my opinion to go on record that moisture in certain parts, and at certain times in all parts, of a mill, is such an essential factor to successful work that I regard any device having such object for its aim as a step in the right direction. On this question I think I may assume that all rational manufacturers are agreed. I consider it would be

superfluous, and a presumption on my part, to attempt to lay before you the advantages to be derived from an equable degree of humidity and temperature in a factory. It may also be superfluous for me to state here the advantages of vaporized water, as compared with steam. The cost of the latter, the rotting of the floors and general damage to buildings, and the serious effect of steam upon the health of the help, is beyond all dispute.

In Germany, where the government protects the health of its people, and more particularly the laborers and mechanics which form its army, the use of steam in factories is forbidden, it having been proved by the authorities that it is hurtful to the health of those under its influence.

In these times of enlightenment, when the continents of Europe and America are so in touch with one another that facts occurring on one side are matters of simultaneous knowledge on the other, it will be unnecessary to tell you that there is scarcely a mill in Europe where some device is not employed for producing humidity of the atmosphere.

Vaporized water is gradually but surely superseding steam, and that it has not entirely done so to-day is attributable to the fact that hitherto no satisfactory system, with the advantages admittably to be derived from water, but embodying the simplicity with which steam can be used, has been put before manufacturers. Various devices have been manufactured and marketed, and have enjoyed a certain amount of prosperity; but it has been in the nature of their construction and principle to fail in the two most essential conditions for success, simplicity and reliability.

Let us now consider and analyze the ways by which water may be formed into vapor, and the ways by which it may then afterward be distributed into the atmosphere. Such methods are not many, and may prove interesting subjects for consideration.

Let us first take the old atomizer. This system of dividing fluids into minute sprays was discovered by a Frenchman, and applied to the use of distributing drugs, in the form of fine