ee 
Miscellanies. 371 
bored by an augur standing in a vertical position. ‘Thus prepared 
the pipes are joined by lead tubes adapted to the bore and an inch 
and a half or two inches in length. ‘The whole process, of prepar- 
ing and laying the aqueduct is extremely simple and expeditious, 
and well illustrates one of the various and important uses to which 
this invaluable mineral may be applied. 
Very respectfully yours, &c. L. Coteman. 
Manchester, Vt. Febuary 20, 1835. 
Q7. Fibres of The Rose of Sharon.*—To Pror. Sirrman.— 
Dear Sir.—A few days since while collecting together decayed 
vines, &c. in my garden for the purpose of covering a fennel bed 
for the winter, I cut a quantity of the decayed stalks of the Rose 
of Sharon, a perennial flower plant which is in most of our gardens, 
and so well known that a more particular description is at present 
unnecessary. 
The bark on those stalks which appeared to be of the earliest 
growth, I observed was cleaving off; and all of them were so far 
decayed that the bark was easily stripped from them. 
On examining the fibre which appears much like hemp when 
first detached from the stalk, I found it strong and capable of being 
divided into small fibres like those of flax. I preserved a small 
quantity of it, and without attempting any process to prepare it for 
use, twisted a few small cords which, together with a sample of the 
raw material, | have taken the liberty of sending to you for a more 
critical examination, as well as for the inspection of others to whom 
you may think proper to show them, should you think the subject 
deserving your and their attention.—I would not presume to pro- 
nounce hastily upon the utility or value of this discovery, if such it 
may be denominated: but I am prepared to say if the fibres contain 
sufficient strength for cordage or canvass, | can discern no reason 
why it may not bea good substitute for flax and hemp. 
If, upon trial of the sample sent, it should be thought deficient 
im strength, I would remark that it has been subjected to no macera- 
ting process, but has stood exposed to the vicissitudes of the weather 
till a natural and gradual decay of its strength may have taken place. 
How the cords I send will compare in point of strength with those 
of the same size made of hemp or flax, I have had no opportunity for. 
deciding—I am of the opinion, however, that this will not be found 
* The Hibiscus palustris, or the H. Syriacus. 
