10 GUT. 



bined elasticity ; so that after being doubled 

 upon itself (in the shape of a loop for instance), 

 it instantly returns to its straight position. If, 

 in thus doubling, it assume anything like angu- 

 larity, it will not do — for it surely possesses 

 unequal degrees of strength, even if, where it 

 forms into such angles, it be not absolutely rotten. 



When gut is first imported, and before expo- 

 sure to the air and light, it is sometimes of a 

 yellowish tinge; therefore do not discard it on 

 that account, if it be at the same time transparent, 

 and possess the other good qualities. 



Hereafter I shall explain how to dye gut ; 1 

 would therefore recommend you to buy it in its 

 natural state ; whereby you will more readily 

 observe defects, which the stain might conceal, 

 and be also satisfied that deleterious ingredients 

 are avoided in obtaining the colour you require, 

 or which I may advise. 



It may not be altogether uninteresting to learn 

 the mode by which this beautiful material is 

 produced, and which I find no where mentioned. 

 It is made in the silk provinces, where the silk- 

 worm is much larger than any we see in this 

 country. About two days, or less, before the 

 worm would spin its cocoon — that is, just as it 

 begins to assume a transparency about the head, 

 it is immersed in an acid of some kind, weaker, 

 I apprehend, than vinegar, and colourless ; after 



