SfLK. 181 



the cocoon, twists, doubles and brings forth the per- 

 fect sewing silk. The thread is remarkable for its 

 even texture, for its brilliance and strength. It is con- 

 sidered superior to that which is made in the usual 

 way by reeling. The machine is calculated for a 

 double or single thread, and prepares it for the loom 

 or sewing silk. There is one great advantage in using 

 Brooks' Silk Spinner; which is, that it takes the 

 fibres from the cocoons in a wet gummy state, and 

 unites them in that condition. The consequence is, 

 the thread is united in one solid mass before it has 

 time to dry; and, consequently, must be much strong- 

 er and more even. A premium and several medals 

 have been awarded to Mr. Brooks for his invention. 

 In a letter, published in one of the papers devoted to 

 the silk culture, he says "I do not reel it at all be- 

 fore it is twisted into warp or filling, or doubled and 

 twisted into sewing silk, or for other uses, of any size 

 or twist that may be wanted perfectly even, firm, 

 smooth, and strong, as any that can be produced from 

 any part of the world." 



The period is rapidly hastening on, when our man- 

 ufactories will rival, and perhaps surpass, in their 

 products the boasted fabrics of Europe. Mr. Gay, 

 from Connecticut, brought into the middle States some 

 samples of silks woven in his native State, which 

 were as beautiful as any I ever saw from the far famed 

 looms of France and Italy* 



16 



