Forming cotton into 'laps' so that it could be put into the carding machine in a uniform amounts. In foreground baskets of cotton that had been through the gin to remove seeds and separate fibres. On right at back of bench, balance for weighing cotton. Under bench are 'laps' ready for carding. Adult 'hand' with boy assistant. From Charles Tomlinson The Useful Arts and Manufactures of Great Britain London c1845.