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The book of trades; or, Familiar descriptions of the most useful trades, manufactures, and arts practised in England : and the manner in which the workmen perform their various employments.
(undated, inscribed 1829)

The press and manglemaker.,   p. 73


Page 73


                   i3
THE PRESS &MANGLE MAKER.
  This is a modern invention for the purpose
of rendering linen smooth and glossy, with-
out the use of a hot iron. The iron has been
used by washerwomen for many years; in a
song to one of Shakspeare's Plays, we read,
" and with a smoothing-iron she fired my
heart."  The present machine takes up a
considerable deal of room; it consists of
rollers placed on a smooth piece of wood
like the top of a long table. The top part
is rendered very weighty; and by means of
pulleys and a handle can be moved back-
wards and forwards. In fixing the machine
for use, a clean cloth is laid on the table-
part on which is placed the linen to be
pressed or mangled.  In the motion, the
linen is wound up on the roller, and it is
rendered perfectly smooth and glossy.-
These machines have been lately improved,
and can be worked now with greater facility.
Small articles, however, such as caps, ruf-
fles, &c. require the use of the iron; but for
sheets, &c. the Press and Mangle is an ex-
cellent invention. Some think that mangling
wears out the articles; but let it be recol-
lected, that by the iron they were generally
discoloured, and sometimes scorched. Be-
sides, a considerable deal of time is saved.
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