153 [ 175 ] 



vvuier, to that which is boiled ; alleging that the lirst loses less of its na- 

 tural gum, and takes all manner of dies better than that which has been 

 boiled. Before being spun, it is beaten with a rod upon a table, ac- 

 cording to Reynaud. A hatter's bow would probably open and sepa- 

 rate the fibres more effectually. Would it not then easily form into 

 rolls by being passed through a cotton carding machine? 



On spinning inferior qualities of silk. 



In every filature, one or more reels are devoted to the spinning with 

 the carrelet,* the inferior qualities of silk which cannot be spun on the 

 common reel. The frame of the carrelet is longer than the silk reel, 

 and has commonly awheel with four arms; but awheel with eight will 

 do equal service, if two of them are moveable. The most essential 

 difference in the frames is that of the head pieces. To these are adapt- 

 ed a board which carries two or four bobbins. If there are only two, 

 they are placed longitudinally, one above the other. If two threads 

 are to be wound at a time, two other bobbins are added, and placed 

 between the other two, in the same position. After the cocoons have 

 been thrashed, a number of the fibres are collected to form a thread, 

 which is passed through one of the two eyes of the board of the bobbins, 

 of the same form as that of the traversing bar of the silk reel; then it 

 is wound round both bobbins at the same time: being first carried to 

 the first and returning round the second, it passes between them, giv- 

 ing a twist to the part of the fibre v/hich was extended from one bobbin 

 to the other. This is the only twisting which these threads receive. 

 The spinner then takes the same end and passes it through the eye of 

 the traversing bar, and, attaching it to the wheel, it is set in motion. 

 If it be wished to wind two skeins at one time, a second thread is pre- 

 pared, and attached to the second pair of cylinders or bobbins, whence 

 it is passed through the second eye of the traversing bar, and then fix- 

 ed to the wheel at a proper distance from the first end. The silk has 

 little uniformity, is of an obscure hue, and causes much waste in wind- 

 ing. It is used for black stuffs of an inferior quality. 



Many manufacturers spin all their good silk, and that of an inferior 

 quality, upon the carrelet, to make the thread called tram. This is 

 slightly twisted, and is used for the filling of stuffs, and for inferior silks 

 for bonnets. One pound of cocoons is required to make one pound of 

 this silk. This thread wastes in winding, but as it is slightly twisted, 

 it parts with its gum more readily in boiling, and takes a finer color 

 than other threads. The dupions or double cocoons, are also reeled on 

 the carrelet. They require to be immersed five or six minutes in hot 

 water, to soften their firm texture. They are used to make sewing 

 silk. 



• This apparatus is not mentioned in the French Encyclopaedia, nor in Borgni's re- 

 cent work expressly devoted to the machines used in the arts. The most diligent in- 

 quiry failed in obtaining an account or draught of it. The notice given above of its uso, 

 is from the work before quoted by M. Reynaud. A.ny American wOuld render a ser- 

 "iceto his countrvbv importing the can*eh:« 



