96 



six cocoons. Those of larger size are not so nicely 

 defined, and are called from twelve to fifteen, or from 

 fifteen to twenty cocoons. 



Whether twenty cocoons are united to form one sin- 

 gle thread, or whether the same number of filaments are 

 employed in the production of four skeins, provided 

 both are wound with an equally even thread, the amount 

 of labor is about the same in both cases. 



The weight of silk which can be reeled in any stated 

 time, depends on the activity of the reeler : there is a 

 degree of dexterity required in adding fresh ends, for 

 broken or expended cocoons, which can only be acquir- 

 ed by practice. Yet there are very few reelers who are 

 capable of giving the requisite attention to three skeins 

 at the same moment of time. 



In the first establishments of Europe, as well as of 

 some of the new ones in America, a steam pipe passes 

 through the vessels containing the water in which the 

 cocoons are immersed, preserving it at an equal warmth. 

 These vessels are emptied at once by a cock at the bot- 

 tom ; and when the water becomes discolored, it is 

 drawn off. Other cocks placed above furnish the sup- 

 plies of either hot or cold water when needed. This 

 water is heated by the boiler of the engine which turns 

 the reels. It requires but little power to put in motion 

 the reels of a vast filature. 



