xi 



call the American System, the same which your Manual 

 recommends, and which in fact, has been followed in this 

 country for more than 70 years. The author is the Cheva- 

 lier von Heint, an Austrian nobleman, the owner of large 

 estates in the imperial dominions. He appears to have 

 completely succeeded, by following this simple American 

 method, and he even ventured to raise silk worms on mul- 

 berry trees in the open air, on the frontiers of Hungary, in 

 44 N. Lat. ; and he assures us that he met with the same 

 success. 



On the subject of reeling the silk from the cocoons, I 

 think it is an art to be acquired only by practical instruction 

 and experience. It is not to be learned from books alone. 

 The description, however, which you have given of its pro- 

 cess, is in general correct, and has been with propriety in- 

 serted. It may lead to some useful experiments, and will 

 diffuse, at least, the knowledge of the theory of the art. 

 The present method of reeling silk in Connecticut, will not 

 be long, I believe, persevered in, after a better one shall 

 have been generally introduced. It is well, however, to re- 

 cord it as a matter of fact, and for the benefit of those who 

 still choose to pursue it. 



Upon the whole, I consider your work as a good practical 

 directory for American farmers, and as a fair and judicious 

 execution of the duty committed to you. 

 I am, with great regard, 

 Dear Sir, 



Your obedient servant, 



PETER S. Du PONCEAU. 



JONATHAN H. COBB, Esq. 



New York, June 29, 1831. 



I have read the work of Mr Jonathan H. Cobb on the Cul- 

 ture of Silk, which is intended by him, for a popular manual 

 of instruction, and have been much pleased to find that it 



