Maco

mah'ko, a name under which all varieties of Egyptian cotton were classed at one time. The word is from Macobey, a prominent cotton planter of Egypt. The name is applied also to a variety of garments made of Egyptian cotton. Maco cotton is fine, smooth, glossy, and long stapled, although not equal in these particulars to Sea Island cotton. It is adapted especially to the dyer's art, taking brilliant and permanent colors with readiness. It possesses also the qualities which cause the fibers to cling together so as to be twisted into a fine, strong thread. Maco cotton is therefore valuable for laces, for mixing with silk and wool, and for all high grade knitted garments. It is also especially suitable for mercerizing. See Cotton; Mercerizing