51 



waste from 4 to 8 per cent, which would make it supe- 

 rior to French silk ; while that reeled in the native fila- 

 tures, as they are called, is estimated to lose from 5 to 

 15 per cent. See Radnell's View, p. 34. 



The reeling of silk from the cocoons requires skill, 

 practice and experience. But let not those who under- 

 take it be easily discouraged : perseverance and attention 

 for a short season will enable them to become expert at 

 the business, although their first efforts may seem discour- 

 aging. 



The following instructions for reeling silk, I have found 

 from practical experience of several years, in my own 

 family, to be useful. They are chiefly extracted from 

 the manual published by authority of Congress. 



The reeling may be done at any season, but best in 

 dry weather ; it may be carried on in the dwelling-house 

 or in a shed, or other convenient out-building. 



The softest water should be chosen for soaking the co- 

 coons. The proper temperature cannot be ascertained 

 until the reeling is commenced, owing to the different 

 composition of the silk. It is as well to raise it to near the 

 boiling point, and then, if necessary to lower it, cold wa- 

 ter may be added. The soft or satiny cocoons require 

 water less heated than the others. If too hot water be 

 used they furze out in unwinding. The dupions or dou- 

 ble cocoons require the hottest water. The fire under 

 the basin may be lessened or increased, as the occasion 

 may require ; a little attention will soon enable the per- 

 son who has the management of the basin to preserve the 

 water at the proper degree of heat. The reeling is effec- 

 ted by use of a silk reel, (vide plates) and a basin of 

 water set over a moderate fire in a small furnace. The 

 person charged with the management of the cocoons in 



