Domestic Encyclopædia (1802)/Kelp

KELP, a term used to denote a species of pot-ash, employed in glass manufactories for crystallizing the metal.

Kelp consists of the calcined ashes of the sea-wrack and other plants growing on the sea shores, between high and low water-mark. The preparation of this useful article should be commenced in the spring; or, if the burning be delayed till the harvest is far advanced, the rainy season of autumn renders the process more tedious and difficult.—To prepare the materials for producing kelp, the sea-weeds should be cut with hooks or sickles; but the aspect of the shore, together with the time and rapidity of the tides, should be previously ascertained. If the coast be level, the plants may be speedily conveyed by horses and carts to the place where they are to be dried and burnt. On the contrary, when the shore is rugged, a strong rope should be laid at low water, around the cut grass; and, in order to increase the diameter of this rope, the longest sea-plants ought to be twisted round it. With the returning tide, the whole spot thus surrounded will soon be set afloat, and the cut vegetables may be readily collected; for, as the water advances, they may be gradually dragged towards the shore, by means of the rope serving as a net. To facilitate their removal, one end of the cord should be drawn through a ring, applied to the other end, and tightened so as to contract the plants into a small bulk: thus, they may be easily moved along with the tide.—After the herbage has reached the place of its destination, it must be dried in a manner similar to hay; coiled and stacked up for burning; proper care being taken to form the stacks, so as effectually to secure it from the rain.

With respect to the burning or melting of kelp, a process very tedious, and not strictly connected with domestic economy, the inquisitive reader may consult the 12th vol. of the Repertory of Arts and Manufactures; where it is minutely described.