Quills

Quills are the large feathers of the wings of birds, certain kinds of which have for centuries been used to make into writing-pens. From the swan, goose, and turkey the kinds are obtained that are regularly prepared for writing purposes, crow quills being used for drawing. A quill, like horn or hair, is formed of epidermic tissue, and the barrel or tube (the quill proper) has an external membrane and an internal pith. In order to get rid of these, and to bring the naturally soft state of the barrel into a condition ready for making into a pen, it requires to be dressed. The quill-dresser sits beside a fire enclosed with brick sides and with an iron face-plate in front, containing a hole somewhat larger than a crown piece. He first heats the quill by placing it for one or two seconds in this hole, which enables him to scrape off the outer membrane with a thick strong knife, the quill being pressed nearly flat in the operation. This done, he again holds it for a brief time in the furnace, by which the quill acquires the proper strength and brittleness to admit of its being made—by a knife or machine—into a pen with a clean slit. Quills were formerly prepared for writing by another process, which is still used for such as are made into toothpicks. This consists in steeping them for a night in water and then manipulating them in hot sand. Although the manufacture of quill-pens is a declining industry, they are still made in considerable numbers. The Controller of the Government Stationery Office, thinking the matter of some public interest, published between 1865 and 1873 a yearly statement showing the numbers of steel pens and quills supplied for the public service. These reports show that as late as the year 1868 there was still a large number of quills used. The figures for that year were: Quills, nearly 6000 gross, value £1816; steel pens, 14,942 gross, value £1900. These figures did not materially differ for the four previous years, but in 1873 the annual number of quills supplied had diminished by nearly one-half. In 1890 the quantities issued from the Stationery Office were: Quills, 4000 gross; steel pens, 38,000 gross.