From the cops being more regularly and firmly wound, combined with their superior formation, the yarn intended for warps less frequently breaks in winding or reeling, consequently there is a considerable saving of waste in those processes.
Secondly, the advantages connected with weaving.
The cops being more regularly and firmly wound, the yarn, when used as weft, seldom breaks in weaving; and as the cops also contain a greater quantity of weft, there are fewer bottoms, consequently there is a very material saving of waste in the process of weaving.
From those combined circumstances, the quality of the cloth is improved, by being more free from defects caused by the breakage of the warp or weft, as well as the selvages being more regular.
The looms can also be worked at greater speed; and, from there being fewer stoppages, a greater quantity of cloth may be produced.
That the advantages thus enumerated, as derivable from the use of self-acting mules, have not been overrated, but, in many instances, have been considerably exceeded, I have, by extensive personal inquiry and observation, had ample opportunity of ascertaining.
Statement of the quantity of yarn produced on Messrs. Sharp, Roberts, and Co.’s self-acting mules, in twelve working hours, including the usual stoppages connected with spinning, estimated on the average of upwards of twenty mills:—
| No. of Yarn. | No. of Twist. | No. of Weft. | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 16 | 4 | 1⁄2 | hanks | 4 | 7⁄8 | hanks per spindle. |
| 24 | 4 | 1⁄4 | — | 4 | 5⁄8 | — |
| 32 | 4 | — | 4 | 3⁄8 | — | |
| 40 | 3 | 3⁄4 | — | 4 | 1⁄8 | — |
Of the intermediate numbers the quantities are proportionate.
Results of trials made by Messrs. Sharp, Roberts, and Co., at various mills, to ascertain the comparative power required to work self-acting mules, in reference to hand-mules, during the spinning, up to the period of backing off.