10 GUT. 



bined elasticity ; so that after being doubled 

 upon itself (in the shape of a loop for instance), 

 it instantly returns to its straight position. If, 

 in thus doubling, it assume anything like angu- 

 larity, it will not do for it surely possesses 

 unequal degrees of strength, even if, where it 

 forms into such angles, it be not absolutely rotten. 



When gut is first imported, and before expo- 

 sure to the air and light, it is sometimes of a 

 yellowish tinge; therefore do not discard it on 

 that account, if it be at the same time transparent, 

 and possess the other good qualities. 



Hereafter I shall explain how to dye gut ; I 

 would therefore recommend you to buy it in its 

 natural state ; whereby you will more readily 

 observe defects, which the stain might conceal, 

 and be also satisfied that deleterious ingredients 

 are avoided in obtaining the colour you require, 

 or which I may advise. 



It may not be altogether uninteresting to learn 

 the mode by which this beautiful material is 

 produced, and which I find no where mentioned. 

 It is made in the silk provinces, where the silk- 

 worm is much larger than any we see in this 

 country. About two days, or less, before the 

 worm would spin its cocoon that is, just as it 

 begins to assume a transparency about the head, 

 it is immersed in an acid of some kind, weaker, 

 I apprehend, than vinegar, and colourless ; after 



