PREFACE. IX 



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 g 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 instruc- 

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

 alone. The description, however, which you have given of 

 its process, is in general correct, and has been with propriety 

 inserted. 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 record 

 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 

 unites brevity with all the most important precepts required 

 in that valuable branch of domestic produce. It is also clea r 

 and lucid, and free of all accessary details, little to be called 

 for within the short period of time necessary to make a silk 

 crop. It is evident that Mr Cobb has been many years a 

 practical culturist, and could also embrace the interesting 



