The bundles received from the dealer being opened, the feathers are
sorted according to color and size, and those for white and light
colors, to be bleached, are laid from those of dark colors, which are
ordinarily not bleached, that is, the black or gray ones. When going
to work the feathers are put on strings, that is, they are firmly tied
singly, about an inch apart from one another, and about an inch above
the end of the quill, 20 or 25 with one string, seldom more, as they
would make the bundle too thick and unhandy. The feathers are then
ready for the steep, which operation ought always and for any method be
the first step of treatment before proceeding to washing, scouring and
bleaching proper.
For this purpose a strong solution of soap is made in boiling water;
when cooled down to about 150° F., it is well stirred, the feathers
entered and left in the bath over night. The temperature may be kept up
over night. It is necessary, however, to lay the feathers down in the
steep so that the liquid can reach every part of them, and to keep them
well immersed in the steep, for which purpose it is advisable to weigh
them down by clean sticks of wood or some other means. Instead of soap,
soda may be used for the steep; taking about one and one-half ounces of
soda crystals to one gallon of water.
By the steep the impurities, dirt and grease, covering the feather are
loosened, and thereby the following cleaning operations materially
facilitated.