96> On the Treatment of the Silk-IVorm* 



A small copper boiler, about 2~ feet in diameter, and 

 C to 8 inches deep, is placed in the centre of a square of 

 masonry, with a small fire-place constructed under it. 

 The masonry does not exceed three feet in height, as it 

 allows a moderate sized person to stoop or reach, with 

 ease, over tlie boiler. The principal operator stands on 

 the right side of the boiler, moving with the foot a rope, 

 which operates in turning a large wheel, placed behind 

 the boiler. This wheel is about 30 inches broad, and 5 

 feet in diameter. The second operator, on the left, 

 throws the balls of silk into the water, which should be 

 kept as near to boiling hot as possible, without being 

 actually boiling. With a small bundle of twigs he 

 stiikes, or, more properly, works, round the balls, with 

 a moderate degree of force, touchmg and turning them, 

 so that the water disengages the end of each web, which 

 is caught up by the broom or brush, and instandy handed 

 over to the right hand operator, who receives them, sepa- 

 ates the outer end, which is generally coarse, and not fit 

 to be spun off; and joins 4, or 6, or 8 threads, or so many 

 as may be necessary, which for different use will of course 

 be of diverse thickness. Projecting a little over the edge 

 of the boiler, there are five hooks fixed horizontally in a 

 piece of wood, which is fastened across to two posts 

 erected at the back of the boiler. The threads grasped 

 together in the hand are caught into each of the hooks, 

 passed over 5 little wheels of lignum vitse, returned in 

 towards the boiler, making a cross of the thread. These 

 wheels are fixed about 2^ feet above the boiler, so as to 

 be conveniently reached by those who reach the thread. 

 The threads are then passed through small circles of iron, 

 being one for each, and having an opening on one side 



