A pail of cold water should always be at hand, to be added to the basin as it may be required. When the cocoons yield their fibres freely, the reel may be turned with a quicker motion. The quicker -the motion, the smoother and better will be the silk. When from four to six ounces have been reeled, the aspel may be taken off, that the silk may dry. The end should be fastened so as to be readily found. Squeeze the silk together and loosen it upon the bars ; then on the opposite side tie it with a band of refuse silk or yarn, then slide it off the reel, dou ble, and again tie it near each exremity. The quality of the silk depends much upon the art and skilful management of the reeler. All that is required to render one perfect in the art of reeling, is a little practice, accompanied at the beginning with a degree of patience, and the exer cise of judgment in keeping up the proper temperature of water, and the threads of a uniform size.
Mavfctcture of perforated cocoons.— The perforated and double cocoons can be manufactured into various fabrics— such as stockings, gloves, under-shirts, and the like. Before the cocoons can be
spun, they must be put into a clean bag, made of some open cloth, and placed in a pot or kettle, and covered with soft wa ter, with soap (hard or soft) added, suf ficient to make a strong suds, and boiled for about three or four hours. If they are ,required to be very nice and white, the water may be changed, and a small quantity more of soap added, and again boiled for a few minutes. After they are boiled, they may be hung up and drain ed; they should then be rinsed while in the bag, in fair water, and hung out to dry, without disturbing them in the bag. When completely dry, they may be spun ou the common flax wheel, by first taking the cocoon in the fingers, and slightly loosening the fibres that become flatten ed down by boiling, and then spinning off from the pierced end. The silk will run entirely off, leaving the shell bare.
The double cocoons may be spun in the same manner, but should be boiled separately.