No- 105.] 151 



of the silk. When the water becomes discolored, it should always be 

 changed. 



If in reeling the silk leaves the cocoons in burs or bunches, it is 

 evident that the water is too hot ; or when the ends cannot be easily 

 collected with the brush, or when found, do not run freely, the water 

 is too cold. A pail of cold water should always be at hand to be 

 added to the basin as it may be required. 



When the cocoons yield their fibres freely, the reel may be turned 

 with a quick motion ; the quicker the motion, the smoother and better 

 ■will be the silk. 



When from four to eight ounces has been reeled, the aspel may be 

 taken off, that the silk may dry, and another put in its place. The 

 ends of the silk should be fastened so as to be readily found. When 

 the skein is removed, squeeze the silk together and loosen it upon the 

 bars, then on two opposite sides, tie it with a band of refuse silk, or 

 yarn, then slide it off the reel — double it, and again tie it near each 

 extremity. 



The quality of the silk depends much upon the art and skilful 

 management of the reeler. All that is required to render one perfect 

 in the art of reeling, is a little j)ractice, accompanied at the beginning 

 with a degree of patience, and the exercise of judgment in keeping the 

 proper temperature of water, and the thread of a uniform size. 



Manufacture OF Perforated Cocoons. — The perforated and double 

 cocoon can be manufactured into various fabrics, such as stockings, 

 o-loves, undershirts, and the like. Before the cocoons can be spun, they 

 must be put into a clean bag, made of some open cloth, and placed in 

 a pot or kettJe, and covered with soft water, with soap (hard or soft) 

 added sufficient to make a strong suds, and boiled for three or four 



hours. 



If they are required to be very nice and white, the water may be 

 changed, and a small quantity more of soap added, and again boiled 

 for a few minutes. After they are boiled, they should be draingd, they 

 should then be rinsed, while in the bag, in pure water, and hung out to 

 dry, without disturbing them in the bag. When completely dry, they 

 may be spun on the common flax wheel, by first taking the cocoon in the 



