To apply them the cloth is
stretched on cloth beams, and made to move in one direction, while the teazle
cylinders turn in another. When the ends of the fibres have been thus
raised, they are
(15) sheared or clipped, in order to produce the same effect as clipping the
rough coat of a horse. Formerly this operation was performed by hand. The
introduction of machinery created formidable riots in the west of England. At
present the operation is performed with great perfection and rapidity, by
more than one process.
When the cloth has been raised and sheared once, it is in the best possible
condition for wear; but in order to give superfine cloth beauty, it is
sheared several times, then exposed to the action of steam, and at the same
time brushed with cylinder brushes. Other operations, of minor importance,
are carried on for the purpose of giving smoothness and gloss. It may be
observed that a brilliant appearance does not always, in modern manufactures,
betoken the best cloth. An eminent woollen manufacturer having been asked
what cloth he would recommend for wear and warmth to a backwoodsman, answered
quickly, "Nothing can wear like a good blanket.
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