Fiberlia [Fi-Ber'-Lia]. A recently introduced flax fibre made from the stalk of American flax, which can be combined with cotton or wool, or used alone, in the manufacture of fabrics. This has been a problem with textile manufacturers for over half a century. An English inventor, in 1851, announced he had found a process whereby it could be done, but after practical tests it failed. The trouble was that the long straight fibre of flax which was cut to match both cotton and wool in length, had blunt flat ends, which showed in the manufacture of goods. By the new invention of fiber-lia the flax fibres are free from such defects and match in length either cotton or wool without being cut. The material ready for use is soft and pliable and will take dyes of the finest tints. The cost of production does not exceed 8 cents per pound, and can be furnished by the Northwestern States in practically unlimited quantities. In 1891 it was used in a limited way in the manufacture of blankets, about one-quarter fibrelia and three-quarters wool. It has also been used for toweling, and in the manufacture of cotton and woolen hosiery. In addition to its being used in the making of fabrics, it can be substituted for absorbent cotton in hospitals, as it possesses the same properties of scraped lint or pure linen.