(1) Cold water retting, either running or stagnant water.
(2) Dew retting.
(3) Warm water retting.
RETTING TANK
A—Inlet; B—Undisturbed Water; C—Bundles of Flax.
Cold water retting in running water is practiced in Belgium. Retting in stagnant water is the method usually employed in Ireland and Russia. The retting in stagnant water is more rapidly done, but there is danger of over-retting on account of the organic matter retained in the water which favors fermentation. In this case the fiber is weakened.
RETTING FLAX IN THE RIVER LYS, BELGIUM
From the Government Bulletin, "Flax for Seed and Fiber."