(29) Before doing so, however, it is necessary to explain a term which even at this early stage is used, and which is a common one throughout the whole series of operations constituting spinning. The variation in the speed of the rollers of the bale breaker is known as its “draught.” In other words, an elongation or enlargement of the bulk of the cotton occurs in exact proportion to the velocity of the rollers. Thus, if the relative speed of the first and last of the series of rollers is as 1: 30, the draught of the machine is the same. In the case of the bale breaker the draught results merely in an increase in the bulk of the cotton, but subsequently it leads to an elongation of the sheet or sliver into which it is formed.
(30) It being highly desirable that the naturally open fleecy condition of the cotton shall be restored at the earliest moment, the question arises, What shall be the draught of the bale breaker rollers? Is it necessary to do more than break up the lumps of cotton into smaller pieces, which can be readily treated by the subsequent machines? To these questions different answers are given. On the one hand, it is contended that what is required is to reproduce the conditions of hand breaking, by which the cotton was pulled from the bales in small tufts ready for delivery to the opening machinery. Another practice advocated is to so pull the lumps into which the bale is broken up that the cotton when delivered is in an open fleecy condition. It would be preferred by spinners if they could obtain the cotton in the loosely packed condition in which it is received by the Indian spinners, for instance. As this cannot be done, owing to commercial and transit considerations, the question arises whether the first stage in the processes conducted in this country is not the right one to restore this condition.
(31) Between the two positions formulated there is a wide divergence, but, to the author, the latter appears to possess the balance of advantage. There can be no doubt that the preparation of the fibre cannot be commenced at too early a stage, and, as efficient cleansing is one of the first objects to be attained, it follows that the earlier the open condition of the cotton is reached the more readily can cleaning be effected. It must not be forgotten that care is necessary to avoid possible damage to the fibres, but, with rollers properly speeded, there appears to be no reason to expect such a result.