THE LIBRARY 
 
 OF 
 
 THE UNIVERSITY 
 OF CALIFORNIA 
 
 PRESENTED BY 
 
 PROF. CHARLES A. KOFOID AND 
 MRS. PRUDENCE W. KOFOID 
 
'./ 
 
 fe 
 
 
THE SILK QUESTION SETTLED 
 
 THE 
 
 TESTIMONY OF ONE HUNDRED AND FIFTY WITNESSES. 
 
 REPORT 
 
 OF THE 
 
 PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL CONVENTION 
 
 OP 
 
 Silk Growers and Silk Manufacturers, 
 
 HELD IN NEW YORK, OCT. 13TH AND 14, 1843. 
 
 PUBLISHED UNDER THE DIRECTION OF THE AMERICAN INSTITUTE. 
 
 SECOND EDITION, WITH ADDITIONS, 
 
 BOSTON: 
 
 PRINTED BY T. R. MARVIN, 
 
 No. 24 CONGRESS STREET. 
 
 1844. 
 
DEDICATED 
 
 TO THE 
 
 FARMERS OF THE UNITED STATES. 
 
 THE friends of the Silk Cause acknowledge their indebtedness to the 
 Massachusetts Agricultural Society, and to a few public-spirited individuals 
 in Boston and vicinity, for funds to stereotype this Report, that it may be 
 sold at low prices, for a general and wide distribution over the country. 
 The Report has, therefore, been corrected, some parts abridged, new matter 
 added, as an Appendix, and an Index of Subjects prepared. In this new 
 and greatly-improved form, the publisher presents this edition to the public, 
 and will fill orders, with cash accompanying, as follows : 
 
 60 copies for $ 5.00 
 
 130 " " 10.00 
 
 1000 " " 70.00 
 
 Any number less than 60 copies at 10 cents each, if the order comes free 
 of expense. 
 
REPORT. 
 
 
 REPOSITORY OF THE AMERICAN 
 INSTITUTE. 
 
 NEW YORK, Oc. 12, 1843. 
 A LARGE number of gentlemen, inter- 
 ested in the Culture and Manufacture of 
 Silk in this country, assembled this day, 
 at half past 10 o'clock, A. M., by virtue of 
 the following Circular Letter, issued by 
 the Trustees of the American Institute: 
 
 SILK CIRCULAR. 
 
 AMERICAN INSTITUTE, ) 
 NEW YORK, August 23, 1843. $ 
 SIR: The American Institute of the 
 City of New York, a State institution for 
 promoting Agriculture and the Arts in the 
 United States, is desirous, for beneficial 
 public purposes, of obtaining information 
 respecting the progress and condition of 
 the culture and manufacture of Silk, and 
 the growth, quality, &c., of the Mulberry 
 in the United States. For this purpose 
 we have invited a General Convention of 
 Silk- Growers and Manufacturers, from all 
 parts of tjie United States, to meet in New 
 York on the 12th and 13th of October 
 next, during the sixteenth Annual Fair 
 of the Institute. A conspicuous place 
 will be provided for a full display of 
 American silks, and extraordinary efforts 
 made to procure such a display. The 
 statistical returns of increasing quantities 
 the last few years, together with very fa- 
 vorable results in feeding, the present sea- 
 son, bring us inevitably to the conclusion 
 that this precious commodity is destined 
 soon to rank with cotton and wool, in its 
 importance as an American staple. For 
 the purpose of accurately ascertaining 
 the present condition and the future pros- 
 pects of this branch of domestic industry, 
 every silk-culturist and manufacturer in 
 the Union is invited to attend, and bring 
 their best specimens, with all the correct 
 data at. their command; from which a 
 Report will be compiled, and distributed 
 
 through the country, that will, we trust, 
 forever settle the question in favor of the 
 cultivation of silk in the United States. 
 We call upon all silk-culturists and man- 
 ufacturers to aid in this laudable object. 
 
 In the growth of silk we have an arti- 
 cle providentially adapted to all our varied 
 soils and latitudes, well calculated to 
 counteract sectional selfishness, and to 
 produce a harmonious moral influence ; 
 and the vent for it in the markets of the 
 world will exceed our ability to produce 
 for centuries to come. Let us, if the silk 
 culture and manufacture are feasible, and 
 can be made to remunerate, advance at 
 once to the point required. And how 
 can this be better ascertained than by a 
 collection of facts, by means of the com- 
 ing exhibition and convention ? 
 
 We are happy to know that the New 
 England Silk Convention is appointed to 
 meet at Northampton, Massachusetts, Oc- 
 tober 4th ; and we would respectfully sug- 
 gest to the friends of this cause in Ohio, 
 Kentucky, Tennessee, arid other States, 
 that they hold county and other local con- 
 ventions, at the same time, or previously ; 
 and collect all the facts possible, and for- 
 ward them, to be imbodied in the General 
 Report. 
 
 We earnestly urge, that every Silk- 
 Grower and Manufacturer furnish a writ- 
 ten statement, as desired. If you cannot 
 attend the Convention, send by mail. Do 
 not decline because your operations are 
 small, or because you may not be accus- 
 tomed to writing ; small experiments, as 
 wdl as large ones, I'ightly conducted, settle 
 general principles ; and any errors in writ- 
 ing, which we may discover, the Con- 
 vention will correct ; only give the facts. 
 
 To aid our correspondents, we present 
 two series of questions to be answered. 
 If you are a Silk-Grower, we ask as fol- 
 lows : 
 
 1. How long have you fed worms, and 
 what have been the general results each 
 year ? 
 
REPORT. 
 
 . What kind of a building do you use, 
 and how is the temperature regulated, if reg- 
 ulated at all ? 
 
 3. Have you ever fed in an open shed or 
 tent ? If so, state the results. 
 
 4. What variety of silk-worm do you pre- 
 fer? 
 
 5. What kind of trees do you use, and how 
 do you manage them ? 
 
 6. Have you tested, and found any differ- 
 ence between, early and late feeding ? 
 
 7. Can you state the cause or causes of 
 bad success in feeding, in any case or cases, 
 among your acquaintances engaged in the 
 business ? 
 
 8. Have you tested the use of the mul- 
 berry leaf, in its green or dry state, for pa- 
 per ? If not, will you do it this season, and 
 communicate to us the results ? 
 
 9. Have you tried any process, by water- 
 or dew-rotting, to separate the bark of the 
 young mulberry-shoots from the woody fibres, 
 so as to convert it into paper or silk fabrics ? 
 If not, will you do it the present season, and 
 communicate as above ? 
 
 10. Any other information, on any part of 
 the silk-culture, or any suggestions on the 
 general subject, will be thankfully received. 
 
 If you are a Manufacturer, please an- 
 swer as follows : 
 
 1. How long have you been engaged in 
 manufacturing silk ? 
 
 2. What varieties of silk goods do you 
 manufacture ? 
 
 3. What amount of raw silk do you work 
 up annually ? 
 
 4. What amount of capital have you in- 
 vested in the business ? 
 
 5. What number of hands male, female, 
 and children do you employ ? 
 
 6. As a manufacturer, what is your opin- 
 ion in regard to the quality of American raw 
 silk, properly reeled, compared with the for- 
 eign article ? 
 
 7. As a manufacturer, what is your opin- 
 ion as to the comparative quality of the silk 
 made from the different kinds of trees in 
 common use the Multicaulis, Cantons, 
 Asiatics, Broosas, Alpines, Italian Whites, 
 and the native American Mulberry ? 
 
 8. In the present tariff on silks, are any 
 modifications needed in order to make it an- 
 swer the designs contemplated in establish- 
 ing it ? 
 
 9. What are your views in regard to the 
 whole silk business as a permanent brancli 
 of American industry? Is the enterprise 
 feasible ? 
 
 In conclusion, we earnestly press this 
 whole subject upon your attention. Come 
 to the Convention. At least, send us spe- 
 cimens of your labors, and the FACTS 
 which we ask. To every person who will 
 give a written statement, as desired, and 
 to every editor who will publish this Cir- 
 cular, sending us a paper containing it, 
 
 we will send a copy of the contemplated 
 Report. 
 
 By order, 
 
 JAMES TALLMADGE, President. 
 
 ADONIRAM CHANDLER,} 
 
 WILLIAM INGLIS, > Vice-Presid'ts. 
 
 SHEPHERD KNAP, } 
 
 T. B. WAKEMAN, Corresponding Sec'y. 
 
 G. J. LEEDS, Recording Sec'y. 
 
 E. T. BACKHOUSE, Treasurer. 
 
 In pursuance of this call, a highly re- 
 spectable Convention assembled. Dr. 
 DANIEL STEBBINS, of Northampton, 
 Mass., was called to the Chair, and JAMES 
 HARRISON, Esq., of New Haven, Conn., 
 appointed Secretary, and the following 
 Roll of Delegates made out : 
 
 Charles Henry Hall, Harlem, Jf. Y. 
 
 S. Church, Bethlcm, Conn. 
 
 Charles B. Crafts, Woodbury, Conn. 
 
 Horace Pitkin, Manchester, P. 0., Conn. 
 
 Return J. Meigs, Augusta, Geo. 
 
 G. W. Murray, Puterson, N. J. 
 
 Timothy Smith, Jlmherst, Mass. 
 
 Oliver Fierce, Elizabcthtown, N. J. 
 
 Oliver Mitchell, South Britain, Conn. 
 
 Robert Wentworth, Centre Buxton, Maine. 
 
 James A. Stetson, Northampton, Muss. 
 
 Joseph Conant, Northampton, Mass. 
 
 Ephrairn Montague, Bclchertown, Mass. 
 
 William Robert Prince, Flushing, L. I. 
 
 Jacob Pratt, Sherburne, Mass. 
 
 J. Danforth, Ncio York. 
 
 Holly Bell, Darien, Conn. 
 
 Aaron Dean, Stamford, Conn. 
 
 James C. Church, Poughkeepsic, N. Y. 
 
 Benjamin W. North, Poughkeepsie, N. Y. 
 
 Fr. Ehrenfels, Philadelphia, Pa. 
 
 Dr. Daniel Stebbins, Northampton, Mass. 
 
 James Harrison, New Haven, Conn. 
 
 I. R. Barbour, Oxford, Mass. 
 
 Gen. James Tallmadge, New York. 
 
 Henry Meigs, New York. 
 
 Gideon B. Smith, Baltimore, Md. 
 
 Thaddeus B. Wakeman, New York. 
 
 J. R. Walter, New York. 
 
 Edward Clark, New York. 
 
 John O. Choules, New York. 
 
 F. Trowbridge, Flushing, L. L 
 C. Colt, Jr. Detlham, Muss. 
 Samuel M. McKay, Neto York. 
 A. P. Waite, Troy, New York. 
 E. Cornell, Ithaca, New York. 
 
 Nathan Rixford, Mansfield Centre, Conn. 
 J. Dimock, " " " 
 
 Hugh Maxwell, Rockland Co., N. Y. 
 Cornelio D. Scoring, Neic York. 
 Alfred S. Prince, Flushing, L. I. 
 Dr. Smith Cutter, Shrewsbury, N. J. 
 L Provost, North Hempstead, L. I. 
 S. F. Norton, Nerc York. 
 Thomas Dale, Mansfield, Conn, 
 John Denmead, New York. 
 
 G. M. Haywood, " " 
 Edward F. Woodward, New York. 
 
 P. D. Mandelaer, Schenectady Co., N. Y. 
 
REPORT. 
 
 N. J. Church, Minisink, Orange Co., JY*. F. 
 
 George Bacon, Neio York. 
 
 Cornelius Bergen. AV?o Utrecht, L. I. 
 
 George Sullivan, Neiv York. 
 
 R. Lockwood, " 
 
 Samuel Stephens, " " 
 
 G. C. De Kay, " " 
 
 John W. Gill, Mt. Pleasant, Jefferson Co., 0. 
 
 Ab. Clark, New York. 
 
 Messrs. Meigs, Smith, and Barbour were 
 appointed as a nominating committee, to 
 present a list of officers for the permanent 
 organization of the Convention. 
 
 On motion of a member, convenient 
 seats were provided at the table for re- 
 porters of the public press. And the re- 
 porters of the Tribune, Express, Herald, 
 and Commercial Advertiser, availed them- 
 selves of the courtesy. 
 
 The nominating committee reported as 
 follows : 
 
 For President Gen. JAMES TALL- 
 MADGE, of New York. 
 
 For Vice-Presidents John W. Gill, 
 Esq., of Ohio ; Dr. D. Stebbins, Massa- 
 chusetts ; H. Pitkin, Esq., Connecticut; 
 G. W. Murray, Esq., New Jersey. 
 
 For Secretaries James Harrison, Esq., 
 of Connecticut ; Jacob C. Parsons, New 
 York. 
 
 The following gentlemen were appoint- 
 ed the Business Committee of the Con- 
 vention : Messrs. Barbour, of Massachu- 
 setts, Smith, of Maryland, Gill, of Ohio, 
 Conant, of Massachusetts, and Danfbrth, 
 of New York. 
 
 GENERAL TALLMADGE (upon the elec- 
 tion of the above officers) took the chair, 
 and made some very interesting remarks. 
 
 This, said he, is the first National Silk Con- 
 vention ever called in this country, and its 
 object was to take into consideration the ex- 
 pediency, as well as the possibility, of mak- 
 ing silk one of the staples of the country ; to 
 ascertain whether its culture be or be not 
 congenial to the soil, and then to advise those 
 engaged in the matter to go on with it; if 
 not, to cease their labors. And, in these 
 ways, the Convention, in his opinion, would 
 be able to do a great deal of good. 
 
 Gen. T. then went on to express the opin- 
 ion that, not only in one part, but in all parts 
 of the United States, the climate and the soil 
 of the country were most admirably adapted 
 to the culture of the silk-worm. And he de- 
 scribed the climates of England and the Uni- 
 ted States, in contrast, as adapted to this cul- 
 ture, and showed to what different uses the 
 mulberry was put in the two countries. This 
 fruit, in England, grew to a large size, as 
 large as a shell-bark, and was a rich, luscious 
 fruit for the table. It never grew to such 
 luxuriance here ; the climate was less favor- 
 able to the raising of the fruit ; but, from the 
 
 same causes, most favorable to the culture 
 of the silk- worm. 
 
 The speaker gave a very interesting detail 
 of the mode of raising the worms, the way 
 in which the process of hatching goes on. 
 He explained the mode, adopted by some, of 
 hatching on paper, by the aid of the warmth 
 of manure, or by contact with the body, &c. 
 He alluded to the statements, in the books, 
 as to the way in which the process of hatch- 
 ing goes on all over the world. It would 
 seem that every where, excepting in this 
 country, artificial means are uniformly re- 
 sorted to. Jn this country we need no such 
 means. All that is needed is the enterprise 
 and industry of the people of the country to 
 bring silk into the list of American staples. 
 The end and aim of this Convention, the 
 speaker insisted, are of a kind which ought 
 to recommend it to the favor of all American 
 citizens. Instead of sending money out of 
 the country, and for the purchase of what we 
 can so easily make ourselves, and then sit- 
 ting down, wondering where our circulating 
 medium has gone, the general would advise 
 his countrymen to enter into this enterprise 
 with vigor, to go to work like patriots, and 
 to improve the advantages which God and 
 nature had put into their hands for the pro- 
 duction of a new staple, and one that, it was 
 fully demonstrable, must eventually turn out 
 a rich source of national wealth. 
 
 The Business Committee then present- 
 ed a great number of letters from persons 
 engaged in the silk business, from a large 
 majority of the States in the Union, con- 
 taining instructive and valuable facts, 
 based on the experience and observation 
 of the writers in the prosecution of the 
 work. 
 
 A communication from the New Eng- 
 land Convention, recently held at North- 
 ampton, in Massachusetts, was also read 
 by the first Vice- President, and was or- 
 dered to go upon the files, and to be pub- 
 lished with the doings of this body, and 
 is as follows : 
 
 The second Annual Meeting of the New 
 England Silk Convention, convened at 
 Northampton, October 4, 1843. 
 
 The Convention was duly organized by 
 choosing the officers designated by a nomi- 
 nating committee. Hon. EDWARD DICKIN- 
 SON, of Amherst, Mass., was elected Presi- 
 dent ; Dr. DANIEL STEBBINS, of North- 
 ampton, and Rev. JOSEPH FIELD, of Charle- 
 mont, Vice-Presidents ; Henry Kirkland, W. 
 A. Hawley, and A. W. Thayer, of North- 
 ampton, Secretaries; Dr. Daniel Stebbins, 
 Treasurer. 
 
 The letters which had been received from 
 persons residing in widely-distant parts of 
 New England, and beyond the limits of New 
 England, all express one opinion in regard 
 to the importance and feasibility of the silk 
 culture. These letters were numerous and 
 
REPORT. 
 
 highly interesting to silk-growers, express- 
 ing full confidence in the system of early and 
 open feeding, and the most firm conviction 
 that the silk cause will be crowned with 
 complete success. 
 
 Several gentlemen addressed the meeting, 
 detailing their own experience since our last 
 meeting, and fully sustained the leading op- 
 erations of the year open and early feeding. 
 
 Dr. Daniel Stebbins, Samuel Wells, and 
 A. W. Thayer, having been appointed to 
 present resolutions for the consideration of 
 the Convention, made the following report, 
 which was read, discussed, and unanimously 
 adopted : 
 
 1. Resolved, That the general and widely- 
 extended distribution of the last year's Re- 
 port has awakened an interest in favor of 
 the silk cause exceeding our most sanguine 
 expectations. 
 
 2. Resolved, That this Convention highly 
 appreciate the favorable notice which the 
 American Institute has taken of the silk 
 cause, and that we regard the efforts they are 
 now using as signally auspicious of happy 
 results. 
 
 3. Resolved, That, in view of the experi- 
 ments already made, we feel assured that our 
 soil and climate will produce silk in abun- 
 dance, of the very best quality, and equal to 
 any imported ; and that the United States 
 have all the facilities for becoming a great 
 silk-growing country. 
 
 4. " Resolved, That the people of this coun- 
 try can raise and manufacture all their own 
 silks as easily as their own cottons and wool- 
 lens, and as rapidly as mulberry-trees can be 
 multiplied. 
 
 5. Resolved, That, with a view to encour- 
 age the culture of silk more extensively, a 
 reasonable State bounty on cocoons and 
 reeled silk is desirable. We therefore rec- 
 ommend that measures be adopted to procure 
 the passage of laws for that purpose, in those 
 States where such laws do not already exist. 
 
 6. Resolved, That this Convention appoint 
 delegates to attend the National Silk Con- 
 vention, to be holden in the city of New 
 York, on the 12th and 13th days of this 
 month, and present to the trustees of the 
 American Institute the returns which have 
 been received by this body, from silk-grow- 
 ers, to be at their disposal ; and also to repre- 
 sent our views and feelings on the silk sub- 
 ject. 
 
 7. Resolved, That the silk-growing enter- 
 prise is deserving the patronage of every 
 State in the Union, and that the cause would 
 be essentially promoted by the formation of 
 State and County Silk Associations through- 
 out the Union. 
 
 8. Resolved, That the next annual meeting 
 of this Convention be held at Northampton, 
 Mass., on the first Wednesday of October, 
 1844. 
 
 The following persons were appointed del- 
 egates to the National Silk Convention, pur- 
 suant to the sixth resolution : 
 
 I. R. Barbour, Oxford, Mass. 
 
 Daniel Stebbins, Northampton., Mass. 
 
 Joseph Conant, Northampton, Mass. 
 J. A. Stetson, " " 
 
 Ephraim Montague, Bclckertown, Mass. 
 Timothy Smith, Amherst, Mass. 
 Leonard Martin, Gill, Mass. 
 
 D. W. Dexter, Claremont, N. H. 
 
 E. M. Hollister, Brattl.boro' , Vt. 
 Horace Pitkin, Manchester, Ct. 
 James Harrison, New Haven, Ct. 
 
 Adjourned, sine die. 
 
 JOSKPH FIELD, Vice-President. 
 Harvey Kirkland, } 
 A. Thayer, > Secretaries. 
 
 W. A. Hawley, ^ 
 
 The Business Committee proposed to 
 introduce a series of resolutions in the 
 afternoon session. 
 
 Gen. Tallmadge, the President, in the 
 name of the Institute, invited the Conven- 
 tion to visit the Fair, and inspect the spe- 
 cimens of silk, and silk goods, which 
 were there ; with all the other numerous 
 and varied exhibitions of American skill 
 and genius. 
 
 The Convention then adjourned until 
 four o'clock, P. M., and went in a body to 
 Nihlo's, in pursuance of the invitation of 
 the American Institute. 
 
 AFTERNOON SESSION. 
 
 Gen. Tallmadge, the President, called 
 the Convention to order at the hour ap- 
 pointed, (four o'clock.) 
 
 Judge Meigs. of New York, presented 
 a paper on the silk business in France, 
 which was ordered to be printed with the 
 minutes ; and is as follows : 
 
 " I have noticed the late movements in 
 France on the silk culture. 
 
 In 1836 La Societe Siricnle (Silk Culture 
 Society) was founded. At the General As- 
 sembly in December, 1840, reports were 
 made on the progress of silk industry. 
 
 It appeared that ladies had assumed im- 
 portant stations in the new enterprise. 
 
 Mademoiselle Pcltzcr was at the head of 
 one of the most important societies, that of 
 Lavaur. That Madame Del a forest had made 
 one of the most valuable experiments. She 
 had produced 30 Ibs. of silk for 300 Ibs. of 
 cocoons. (We have, in this country, done 
 more than that. H. M.) Linch de Latour 
 had founded a cocoonery for 200 ounces of 
 eggs. 
 
 Eugene Robert was decorated with the 
 Legion of Honor for his silk works ! 
 
 France has discovered that the worms 
 must be fed on leaves from the first bud to 
 the old leaf. Young worms do not prosper on 
 old leaves, nor vice, versa. France has dis- 
 covered that ventilation is a sine qud non ; 
 that Multicaulis is best. A general ardor 
 in the pursuit of the silk business is felt in 
 France. 
 
 Medals are given to cultivators, &c. 
 
 EmUe Beauvais raised 72 Ibs. of cocoons 
 from 1000 Ibs of leaves. 
 
REPORT. 
 
 The Marquis Amdot distinguishes himself 
 for zeal and taste in silk works. 
 
 H. ME1GS, 
 
 Member of the American Institute 
 Oct. 12th, 1843." 
 
 Mr. Barbour, of the Business Commit- 
 tee, reported from that committee a se- 
 ries of resolutions. 
 
 In the discussions which followed, many 
 members made remarks upon the feasi- 
 bility of the silk business. It was not, as 
 had been alleged, "all moonshine." The 
 President made a few remarks in favor 
 > of an amendment offered by himself, to 
 the effect that the disrepute and distrust 
 into which the business fell, some three 
 or four years ago, was the work of brokers 
 and speculators, who had engaged in the 
 purchase and sale of mulberry-trees, cut- 
 tings, &c., with no intention of growing 
 or manufacturing. 
 
 A debate also arose in reference to the 
 fact that, under one clause of the Tariff 
 Act, frauds had been committed. The 
 committee were instructed to report on 
 this subject to-morrow. Convention ad- 
 journed until to-morrow, at 10, A. M. 
 
 EVENING. 
 
 The Saloon in the Garden, in the even- 
 ing, was thronged with visitors ; and, at 
 half-past seven, agreeably to previous ar- 
 rangement, General Tallmadge intro- 
 duced the speaker of the evening, Mr. 
 BARBOUR, of Massachusetts, a practical 
 silk-grower. 
 
 The assemblage were deeply interested 
 in the remarks made by the speaker, and 
 frequently interrupted him with warm 
 shouts of applause. 
 
 His speech, as given bj the city report- 
 ers, was substantially as follows: 
 
 Mr. Barbour said he would address him- 
 self to the task assigned him, without any 
 apology or introduction. 
 
 The plain Saxon words can and can't had 
 applicability to this subject. The first ques- 
 tion, then, is, Can we raise silk in this coun- 
 try? He would say that there were the most 
 abundant proofs that we can do so. He ad- 
 verted to the fact that, in the early history 
 of the country, this had been demonstrated. 
 The culture of silk was well known in the 
 colonies before the Revolution. Georgia, 
 Virginia, and Pennsylvania had fully demon- 
 strated its feasibility. New England, also, 
 had even then done the same ; and far-seeino- 
 men of that time, such as Dr. Franklin, Dr. 
 Stiles, President of Yale College, and others 
 interested patriotically in the subject, had 
 done much towards the promotion of the 
 business. 
 
 .From 1740 to 1790, hundreds of pounds of 
 excellent silk were grown in the South- ( 
 ern, Middle, and New England States ; and 
 in the old town of Mansfield, Conn., the busi- 1 
 
 ness became permanently established, and 
 has continued to the present day. 
 
 But the question very naturally and very 
 properly here comes up, How did it happen 
 that it was generally abandoned ? My an- 
 swer is, that the population of the country 
 was sparse ; the Revolution corning on, of 
 course, broke up the business for the time ; 
 and the people of the South became supreme- 
 ly absorbed in the cotton culture. But the 
 one, the great, the all-controlling obstacle, was 
 the want of a home cask market for cocoons 
 and raw silk. Such a market was not crea- 
 ted, because the popular sentiment of the 
 country was opposed to home manufactures 
 of every kind. The received doctrine of the 
 country, even down to 1816, was, that we 
 were to be an agricultural and a commercial, 
 but not a manufacturing people. 
 
 But the Tariff of 1816 settled the policy of 
 the country in favor of domestic manufac- 
 tures. A new order of things came up. The 
 cotton business soon became established. 
 Then the woollen business, under subse- 
 quent modifications of the tariff, became es- 
 tablished. And thus a manufacturing spirit, 
 as the spirit of the country, was generated. 
 We no longer heard the old story, that agri- 
 culture and trade were the only pursuits be- 
 fitting our circumstances and our genius, as 
 a people. 
 
 In this way, the whole silk question, grow- 
 ing and manufacturing, was again called up, 
 as a permanent branch of American industry. 
 As early as 1826, Congress began to call 
 public attention to the subject; and between 
 that date .and 183H, several documents of 
 great value were issued by that body. Sev- 
 eral of the States issued similar documents, 
 and offered, also, liberal bounties upon co- 
 coons and raw silk. 
 
 But the cause has had peculiar difficulties 
 to surmount ; some growing out of the na- 
 ture of the business itself, as a new business 
 
 some out of the prejudices of the ignorant 
 
 some out of the indiscretions and mistakes 
 of its friends still more out of the opera- 
 tions of unprincipled speculators in mulberry- 
 trees. 
 
 Yet the progress of the business has been 
 onward, especially for the past two or three 
 years. To prove this, he would send the 
 auditory to that part of the gardens in which 
 raw silks and silk manufactures of our 
 country were exhibited. He would send 
 ;hem also to the returns of our State treas- 
 urers, showing the increasing bounties paid 
 out from year to year each year just about 
 doubling on the preceding year. With still 
 ligher measures of satisfaction, he would rer 
 ? er them to the documents lying on the ta- 
 )les of the Convention now in session doc- 
 uments detailing the experiments of one to 
 ,wo hundred men from about all the States 
 n this Union ; and showing that, with occa- 
 sional disasters, hundreds of bushels of ex- 
 ellent cocoons have been grown the present 
 season upon our own soils, and under our 
 own suns and showers. 
 
 Can we, then, make silk ? Yes, by the 
 
REPORT. 
 
 testimony of the past, by the testimony of 
 the present, the fact is established beyond 
 cavil or dispute, that we can raise silk, and 
 manufacture it, too. (Cheers.) 
 
 My second remark, said Mr. B., is that our 
 silk, in the state in which the worm leaves it, 
 or when properly reeled, is a decidedly supe- 
 rior article. 
 
 Dr. Franklin first proclaimed the superior 
 quality of silk of American growth, and sub- 
 sequent experimenjs have fully corroborated 
 the assertions of that noble man. This fact 
 is proved from the high value which well- 
 reeled American silk enjoys in the market 
 over foreign silk. You have it, also, in the 
 testimony of American and foreign silk man- 
 ufacturers, as imbodied in the First Report of 
 the New England Silk Convention. You will 
 see the same fact abundantly attested in the 
 returns to this Convention, now lying in 
 that pile upon our table, and which will soon 
 be given to the public in our Report. 
 
 But what does this fact prove ? Why, 
 surely, it proves the superiority of the climate 
 and soil of our country for the silk culture. 
 
 In open field culture, you cannot get a 
 product of first-rate quality, only where soil 
 and climate are congenial. Try it in regard 
 to all our grains, wheat, corn, rice, oats, &c., 
 in regard to vegetables, flowers, fruits, and 
 grasses ; in fine, in regard to every thing that 
 grows on the face of the earth ; and you will 
 find it an immutable law of the physical 
 world, that soil and climate determine the 
 quality of the product. Where these are un- 
 propitious, no measure of science or skill can 
 supply the want. 
 
 In this connection, I remark, also, that the 
 climate of our country is essentially the same 
 as that of China, in the same parallels of 
 latitude our geographical position is simi- 
 lar to that great country the boundaries 
 of our sea and land are like theirs and our 
 prevailing winds in the summer are, like 
 theirs, land winds. The dry, warm atmos- 
 phere of that country and this render them 
 both eminently fitted for this business. In 
 Europe, artificial means can only give to the 
 eggs the forwardness which the natural at- 
 mosphere here gives. Throughout Europe 
 the question is, How shall the eggs be 
 hatched ? Here it is, How shall they be kept 
 back until we are ready for them ? (Cheers.) 
 I refer to these general facts to show you 
 on what the guaranty of the silk-grower is 
 based, in this country. 
 
 My third general remark, said Mr. B., is 
 that, under a wise arrangement of impost 
 duties, we can make our own silk goods 
 cheaper than we can import them. 
 
 I draw this inference from the history of 
 the past. It has been found to be true in re- 
 gard to every thing else cottons, woollens, 
 iron, and every thing to which American in- 
 genuity has been directed ; and, pray tell me, 
 why not in regard to silk ? 
 
 But I hear, forever, the old story, the sto- 
 ry that we cannot compete with the cheap 
 labor of India, and China, and Europe, in the 
 silk business. There, it is said, laborers can 
 
 be had for a few cents a day ; and it is of no 
 use to try to compete with them. In reply, 
 I would say, 1st, that labor is ahcays to be 
 estimated, not by what it costs, but by what it 
 can be made to produce; and 2d, that the 
 cheap labor of China and India is just as 
 available for the cotton business, and other 
 branches of industry, as for the silk business ; 
 and if we can compete with them in cotton, 
 &c., why not in silk ? 
 
 Can we not compete with that cheap la- 
 bor ? It is already done. Under the foster- 
 ing care of our own government, in the in- 
 fancy of our manufactures, we have already 
 done it, and done it triumphantly. What a 
 triumph has America achieved ! Do we 
 want proofs ? Go, move within the small 
 space protected by this sheltering roof, and 
 there examine for yourselves the product of 
 the loom, the forge, the workshop, and the 
 bench. (Cheers.) My heart swells while I 
 point you to those noble efforts of our com- 
 mon countrymen. I was born, sir, under the 
 morning shadows of the Green Mountains : 
 but I am an American ; and never did I feel 
 the proud boast of an American citizen as at 
 this moment, while I point my fellow-citi- 
 zens to these visible demonstrations of the 
 onward progress of our glorious republic. 
 (Loud and continued cheers.) Yes, those 
 cheers delight my New England heart. 1 
 glory in the enthusiasm which bursts around 
 me to-night, and ascribe its sincerity to the 
 great topic of the day OUR COUNTRY'S GLO- 
 RIOUS ELEVATION ! (Loud cries, cheers, and 
 shouts of, Go on, New England, go on.) In 
 my recollection, our countrywomen had to 
 pay from 25 to 40 cents per yard for coarse 
 sleezy cottons, which now you could not 
 palm on them even as a gift. No, they would 
 rather consign them to the paper mill, and 
 go to the shops and buy an article worth 
 something. (Loud cheers.) 
 
 How has all this change been brought 
 about ? American skill, and enterprise, and 
 perseverance, have done it have driven 
 these sleezy hum hums of olden times and 
 foreign lands from our markets, and supplied 
 a better article, at one fourth the expense. 
 And not only this ; we are now shipping to 
 India and China cotton goods to supply their 
 markets ; carrying our cottons right home to 
 the very birthplace of the cotton culture 
 and the cotton business, all their cheap labor 
 to the contrary notwithstanding. To other 
 countries, beyond the ocean, we are shipping 
 goods. In England, France, China, and in 
 Asia, the products of our looms and our shops 
 are found. (Yes, and our dairies, too.) True, 
 the cheese of New England is found on the 
 table of the old English squire ; but this is 
 not the time to dwell on such matters. Have 
 we overcome the alleged difficulties, in re- 
 gard to our iron, and cotton, and woollens ? 
 We have, and can now add to them the cul- 
 ture of silk. For this business we have ev- 
 ery facility. Our soil is virgin, our sky is 
 blue, and our people are Protestant. (Loud 
 cheers.) Labor is valuable, as before stated, 
 not from what it costs, but from what it pro- 
 
REPORT. 
 
 duces. Our countrymen are intelligent, 
 thinking, working people ; and who are our 
 competitors ? Go to European and Asiatic 
 countries for your answer. A free Protes- 
 tant community will ever be an active, im- 
 proving, elevating community. England 
 may compete with us in the manufacture of 
 silk, but she can never grow a pound. We ! 
 We ! are the only free Protestant nation on 
 the face of the globe, which can be at the 
 same time a silk-growing, and a silk-manu- 
 facturing people. 1 refer here to our nation- 
 al Protestantism, merely as one of the essen- 
 tial elements of our national enterprise, with- 
 out going at all into any theological discus- 
 sions. (Loud cheers.) 'But I find I have 
 gone beyond my allotted time. (No, no ! go 
 on, go on !) 
 
 I have one or two observations, and then 
 1 have finished. The silk business has had 
 much more to contend with than is general- 
 ly imagined. We require the growth of the 
 foliage, and it takes two or three years to 
 bring this to perfection. Silk culture re- 
 sembles fruit-growing we must plant the 
 tree, and await its budding time. It was a 
 different case from that of corn, and grain, 
 and so on. It was a gradual business, and 
 required patience, and the fostering care of 
 the States and Nation. It was recollected 
 that the first implantation of the silk culture 
 in Italy, France, &c., took longer than it 
 had done Jiere. And so had there been ad- 
 ventitious difficulties in the way the over- 
 zeal of friends in pressing the enterprise too 
 rapidly, and without reflection and judg- 
 ment. These things had, however, he was 
 happy to say, been all met and essentially 
 overcome. The friends of this cause now 
 breathed more freely. (Applause.) Public 
 opinion, instead of opposing it, was fast set- 
 ting in its favor. No longer were " Multi- 
 caulis speculations " the theme of general 
 ridicule, (a laugh,) and the newspapers no 
 longer amused themselves with cracking 
 their jokes at our Utopian schemes. All our 
 agricultural papers in the country treated it 
 with approval ; and, indeed, the Press, gener- 
 ally, were either in favor of it, or were fair, 
 and open to the consideration of its merits. 
 
 The speaker (who was listened to with 
 great interest throughout) then adverted to 
 the fact which American silk-growers had 
 fully demonstrated that all that was es- 
 sential to produce the article in perfection 
 was, the simplest kind of shelter for the 
 worms, the open shed, or tent, and the pure, 
 free, unadulterated air of heaven. 
 
 Mr. B. then alluded to the great number 
 of letters, corroborating these statements, 
 which the Convention had received from all 
 parts of the country ; and named them in 
 the following order : Arkansas, Mississippi, 
 North Carolina, Maryland, " The Far West," 
 Wisconsin, Indiana, Ohio, Tennessee, Ken- 
 tucky, Massachusetts, Connecticut, Rhode 
 Island, and Maine. Yes, " down-east," 
 with all its chilling breezes, can grow silk, 
 
 said he: I have here the fullest and most 
 satisfactory documentary evidence to prove 
 it. I do not mean to say that Maine can 
 compete with the Middle and Southern 
 States in the culture of the article. He 
 would make no such comparisons ; but this 
 he would say, silk could be successfully cul- 
 tivated any where, East, West, North, or 
 South, wherever corn could be cultivated ! 
 (Protracted applause.) 
 
 Mr. B. then expressed the thanks of the 
 Convention to the American Institute for 
 the vigorous measures they had adopted to 
 promote the interests of the silk business ; 
 and expressed the hope, that the silk speci- 
 mens, in the horticultural room, would be 
 carefully examined by all. He then adverted 
 (in a strain of quiet humor) to the fact, that 
 he wore a velvet vest and cravat, grown 
 and manufactured among the green stumps 
 of Ohio ; that he should be happy to tell his 
 audience something about them, only his 
 good mother always taught him never to 
 talk about his own clothes especially when 
 he happened to have something rather nice, 
 
 rather above the common run of things. 
 (Laughter and cheers.) But if his audience 
 would come and shake hands with him, he 
 should be very happy to show them his 
 jacket ! (Roars of laughter, and cries of 
 go on !) He then bespoke the kind regards 
 of the auditory for the cause of silk culture, 
 
 an enterprise that was yet, in his opinion, 
 to feed and clothe, and educate unborn mil- 
 lions in this land. A word before we part. 
 Here I present to your inspection a manu- 
 script copy of a work on silk, written by the 
 pen of that good man, Dr. Stiles, of Yale - 
 College. It is a full, detailed account of the N( 
 culture of silk from 1763 to 1790, during 
 which interval he was zealously engaged in 
 philosophical experiments in feeding the silk- 
 worm. All the great facts which the doctor 
 here records are now found to be true ; for 
 the same sun shines, and the same winds 
 blow. The volume is prepared with the ut- 
 most care, and belongs, as a bequest, to the 
 Library of Yale College. It is exactly in 
 the state in which the worthy doctor left it, 
 bound with the very string which his own 
 hands had tied, and surrounded with all the 
 veneration with which respect for the hon- 
 ored dead can invest it. Here it is, (holding 
 up an old, thick, marble-covered volume, of 
 letter-paper size, bound with a great silk 
 cord) a relic of days gone by. The au- 
 dience evinced their respect in a general, 
 but suppressed buzz of welcome greeting. 
 My friends, I would pass it round, but it has 
 been left in my charge, with sacred orders 
 
 to preserve it safe and sound, and I cannot 
 run any risks with a volume so precious; 
 but if any of you desire to see it, come to 
 my rooms, and there you shall have a full 
 and sufficient examination of its contents. 
 (Cheers, amid which the speaker took his 
 seat, the applause continuing for several 
 minutes.) 
 
 B 
 
10 
 
 REPORT. 
 
 SECOND DAY, October 13th. 
 
 The Convention was called to order 
 this morning at 11 o'clock, when the 
 minutes were read and accepted. Gen- 
 eral Talhnadge, the President of the Con- 
 vention, in the Chair. The unfinished 
 business of yesterday, being the adop- 
 tion or rejection of the resolutions, was 
 brought forward for action, but before 
 they were all disposed of, the Convention 
 adjourned, and proceeded to Niblo's, to 
 near the address of Dr, Smith, of Balti- 
 more, l>efore the American Institute. 
 
 The Bands of the North Carolina and 
 of Governor's Island were in attendance, 
 and played several national and select 
 pieces, alternately, through the day. The 
 Managers, together with the members of 
 the Silk Convention, took their seats in 
 the centre of the gallery, and the Presi- 
 dent announced the speaker, introducing 
 him as Dr. Smith, of Baltimore ; a sound, 
 practical, working member, who read from 
 his notes the following quaint, lucid, and 
 interesting address on silk culture, which 
 was received with repeated bursts of ap- 
 plause on the part of the audience. 
 
 LADIES AND GENTLEMEN : I comply most 
 cheerfully with the request of some over- 
 partial friends, in offering a few remarks on 
 the very interesting subject that has called 
 us this day together. Entirely unaccustomed 
 to public speaking, I shall need, and feel as- 
 sured I shall receive, the indulgence of this 
 respectable audience for the many imperfec- 
 tions I may exhibit. For seventeen years 
 I have watched, with intense interest, the 
 progress of the cause we are now endeavoring 
 to advance. At the commencement of the 
 term, the silk-worm was kept at a public ex- 
 hibition at the place of my residence, as an 
 object of curiosity, and excited great interest. 
 1 saw the five hundred worms of that exhi- 
 bition increased, in the progress of years, to 
 probably a hundred millions. I saw them 
 leave the tables of the exhibition room for 
 tlie shelves and hurdles of the numerous 
 cocooneries of our country ; and I rejoiced 
 in the increase and the change, because I 
 saw in them the filaments of the fabric that 
 should one day form the banner of our 
 country's independence. During that long 
 interval of time, I have seen nothing that 
 discouraged the idea that this country might 
 become a silk-producing nation; on the con- 
 trary, every circumstance that has come 
 under my notice, has tended more and more 
 to the conviction, that we are better qualified 
 for this business than any other people on 
 earth. There is no natural qualification that 
 we do not possess in a superior degree to any 
 othi-T p'-ople; and who shall say that the 
 Americans are inferior to any others in in- 
 dustry, ingenuity, energy, anil perseverance ? 
 Our snil and climate are admirably adapted 
 
 to the growth of the mulberry -tree, as has 
 been abundantly proved by the late mulberry- 
 tree excitement there not being a single 
 county, that has been settled by inhabitants, 
 where the mulberry-tree may not now be 
 found growing, and bearing testimony, by its 
 thriftiness and vigor, to the congeniality of 
 our soil and climate to its nature. During 
 the years 1838, '39, and '40, great numbers of 
 trees were imported from I ranee and Italy, 
 and I had frequent opportunities for compar- 
 ing them with those grown in various parts 
 of our own country. The result was, that, 
 upon a fair average, trees raised in this 
 country, of one year's grovrth, were equal in 
 size and productiveness to those of Europe, 
 of three years' growth. And as to the silk- 
 worm, I know there is no other climate in 
 which it is more healthy, or where it thrives 
 more vigorously. It is true we have met 
 with many disasters from the diseases inci- 
 dent to silk -worms ; but in what country 
 do these disasters not happen ? The public 
 statistics of Europe report that an average 
 of one half of all the silk-worms that are 
 hatched there, perish from disease. We have 
 no such statistics from China ; but I have no 
 doubt they suffer equally there. I hazard 
 little in saying that we do not suffer to this 
 extent. But the ingenuity of our country- 
 men, aided by the lights obtained from other 
 countries, will soon be able to furnish pre 
 ventives, and we may encourage ourselves 
 with the prospect of an entire removal of 
 this evil. Already have we made improve- 
 ments in this branch of the silk culture 
 greater than had been made in Europe in 
 fifty years previously. The system of open 
 air feeding, that has been so well alluded to 
 in this place, will accomplish much in this 
 respect, if not entirely obviate the difficulty. 
 Let us persevere, then, for we have every 
 thing to encourage us; and, I am almost 
 ready to say, nothing to fear. I have almost 
 said, we have nothing to fear ; and we have 
 not, except it be a singular feeling among 
 fashionable people, which seems to prefer 
 any thing of foreign origin to American pro- 
 ductions. Will it be credited that we have 
 large quantities of American-made goods, 
 in all our retail shops, which the retailers 
 dare not call American? Will it be credited 
 that we have a large establishment that man* 
 ufactures immense quantities of silk and 
 worsted vestings, employing some fifteen or 
 twenty Jacquard looms, and working up 
 large quantities of domestic silk? and yet 
 they dare not let it be known tint their 
 goods are manufactured in this country ! 
 They even declined allowing me to exhibit 
 specimens here on that account. We must, 
 therefore, try to do away this feeling of for- 
 eignism, and to excite a contrary feeling 
 we must try to make our people feel proud 
 of American goods. And may we not hope 
 to enlist the feelings of our fair sisters in this 
 cause ? They did not fail us when the 
 troubles of the times tried men's souls 
 they will not fail us now. It is estimated 
 that we consume, on an average, twelve 
 
REPORT. 
 
 millions of dollars' worth of silk annually. 
 For this we have to pay in specie, or its 
 equivalent. Is there any adept in figures 
 present, who can tell us what eifect the 
 saving of this amount of specie annually will 
 have upon the circulating medium, the ex- 
 changes, the wealth, and welfare of our 
 country in twenty years ? I arn one of 
 those who go for our country, our whole 
 country, and nothing but our country, on all 
 such questions as this. I wish to see our 
 own land produce every thing that our peo- 
 ple consume ; and I should be glad to see 
 our country so productive, that the wars and 
 com motions of the world would not be able 
 to affect us. I want to see our country in 
 such a situation, that if a wall were built 
 around it, " sky-high, sir," we should not 
 suffer privation of a single necessary, or 
 comfort, or even luxury, of life. And that 
 would be, truly, independence. It has been 
 said,.if we take nothing from other countries, 
 other countries will take nothing from us. 
 In reply to this, I would remark, that other 
 countries will, at all events, take nothing 
 from us that they can do without that they 
 can make or produce themselves. They, at 
 least, always have acted upon this principle ; 
 it is natural they should do so, and it is high 
 time that we do the same. It is a good 
 maxim for any people, individually and col- 
 lectively, to buy only that which they can- 
 not themselves produce. The profits of the 
 culture of silk are, at least, remunerations. 
 He who enters upon this business with the 
 expectation of realizing five hundred to 
 fifteen hundred dollars for every acre of 
 ground planted in mulberry-trees, and with 
 the supposition that he even occupy as many 
 acres as he pleases in this way, and with this 
 profit, will certainly be disappointed. But 
 he who shall commence it with a moderate 
 portion of common sense, enlightened by 
 proper information, exercising due economy, 
 moderate skill, and an ordinary degree of 
 American perseverance, with the expectation 
 of a good living profit, will be sure to suc- 
 ceed to his entire satisfaction. I am in- 
 clined to the belief that the culture of silk 
 should be made one of the objects of atten- 
 tion of every farmer's family, as is the pro- 
 duction of butter, and other articles of domes- 
 tic produce. Let every family rear twenty 
 to fifty thousand silk-worms, more or less, 
 as their situation and arrangements justify. 
 Let them reel the cocoons, make what sew- 
 ing-silk, mils, and hosiery they may require, 
 out of the produce, and sell the nicely-reeled 
 and prepared overplus raw silk to the mer- 
 chant or manufacturer. Is not the immense 
 amount of butter consumed in the United 
 States, produced in this way ? Are not 
 many other articles, of imfnense magnitude 
 in the aggregate, all accumulated from the 
 collection together of small parcels, produced 
 in this small way ? Despise not, therefore, 
 these small things; but remember, that as 
 mountains are composed of ultimate atoms, 
 so small as to be almost unappreciable, so 
 is the aggregate of the wealth of a peo- 
 
 ple. What though we have exported to for- 
 eign countries forty-seven millions of dollars' 
 worth of cotton during the year ending '30th 
 of September, 184J?"; has not this mass of 
 wealth been collected together from the 
 myriads of small bolls in which it grew, 
 each in itself not worth intrinsically the tithe 
 of the tenth of a cent ? And whit though 
 the silk-worm, individually, produces but 
 a small filament of itself, and, by itself, al- 
 most worthless ; does not the combination of 
 these filaments compose the thread that 
 forms the fabric that costs us annually 
 twelve to twenty millions of hard-earned 
 dollars ? But I am by no means ready to 
 admit that the silk culture can only be car- 
 ried on profitably by farmers' families in a 
 small way. When judiciously pursued, with 
 such information, skill, and economy, as are 
 at all times at command in all American 
 communities, and as are necessary to success 
 in any other business, it will be found a 
 profitable business on a large scale on any 
 scale. This has been proved satisfactorily 
 by the success, to an eminent degree, of the 
 people of the society at Economy, Pennsyl- 
 vania, and by Mr. Gill, of Mount Pleasant, 
 Ohio, and numerous others. On the score 
 of profit, therefore, there is no reason for 
 despondency, but every thing to encourage 
 us to proceed in the silk culture. I am 
 sorry I cannot say much of the success of 
 the business in the Southern States. The 
 people there seem to lack that individual 
 energy arid perseverance, and, especially, 
 that appreciation of small things necessary 
 to the success of such a business. But, in 
 the North and East, where industry, energy, 
 and ingenuity dwell ; and in the West, the 
 great West, the young giant of the world, 
 where enterprise progresses with a whirl- 
 wind rush, where every seed that is planted 
 is soon to produce fruit, either from the un- 
 diluted richness of its soil, or the indomitable 
 exertions and energy of its people in both 
 of these sections of our country will the silk 
 business flourish profitably to individuals, 
 and to our country, until the entries in our 
 custom-house books shall be reversed ; until, 
 instead of the importation of $20,000,000 
 of silk, we shall see recorded there the ex- 
 portation of $40,000,000 worth annually. 
 A few practical remarks may be admissible 
 here. Before we can hope for complete suc- 
 cess in the silk culture, we must learn more 
 of the minute details ; we want more pa- 
 tience in the tedious processes; and, above 
 all, as before suggested, we must try to be 
 satisfied with moderate, but still remunera- 
 tive profits. We must not expect to make a 
 thousand dollars where the same amount of 
 capital and labor invested in any other 
 business would only make a hundred. We 
 must not expect to rear successfully a million 
 of worms in a space calculated only for a 
 tithe of that number. We must not treat 
 the delicate silk-worms as we do our hogs, 
 by throwing a basket of food among them, 
 and then let them take care of themselves. 
 The very nice and delicate operation of un- 
 
REPORT. 
 
 winding the fibre from the cocoons must 
 receive more care and attention. We are 
 not spinning cotton, nor wool, nor hemp. 
 The extremely attenuated and lustrous fibre 
 must be gathered upon the aspel with all 
 delicacy and care. The water of the basin 
 must be kept pure, that the lustre of the 
 silk may not be tarnished ; the thread must 
 be kept even, by careful attention to the 
 number of cocoons running off. I have 
 seen very little raw silk for sale in the mar- 
 ket prepared as it should be, and as it must 
 be, to compete successfullv with that from 
 Piedmont. But I have seen some, (and for 
 such I refer you to specimens in the Hall,) 
 and enough, even in the absence of any 
 other proof of our capacity, to prove our 
 ability to produce as good an article as can 
 be made by any other people under the sun. 
 Let reelers be informed, and always bear in 
 mind, that care and skill will make their 
 pound of silk worth six or seven dollars ; 
 whereas carelessness and inattention will 
 make it worth no more than three or four 
 dollars. Will it be believed, that two reelers 
 shall each take one bushel of the same par- 
 cel of cocoons, being a fair day's work for 
 each, and the one shall produce from her 
 portion a pound of silk worth six dollars, 
 while the other shall produce the same 
 quantity worth only three dollars, the latter 
 being not even the value qf the cocoons be- 
 fore she began to reel them ? This is an im- 
 portant point in the silk business. It has 
 always formed the stumbling-block to our 
 progress heretofore; but I trust it will no 
 longer be permitted to remain so. The 
 curing of cocoons is another subject of deep 
 interest. In this we are already far ahead 
 of our European competitors. The appli- 
 cation of heat, either artificial or natural, 
 in killing the chrysolid, should be avoided 
 It injures the fibre, and increases the diffi 
 culty of reeling. So, also, do the fumes of 
 sulphur, by depositing sulphuric acid upon 
 the fibre, the gum of which does not entirely 
 protect it from its effects. Camphor, in 
 tight boxes, effectually kills the insect, leav- 
 ing the cocoons in a state for reeling equal 
 to that before curing. But the best of al] 
 is the vacuum box an American sugges- 
 tion. If this announcement depreciates its 
 value, I cannot help it. Placing the cocoons 
 in an air-tight box, and exhausting the air 
 by means of a simple pump, will kill the 
 insects directly, or in a few hours. By 
 placing a small quantity of camphor in the 
 box, the cocoons may be preserved in i' 
 from any bad effects for several weeks. 
 
 The only suggestion I have to make in 
 furtherance of the object of this Convention 
 is, that facilities be offered, in all parts of 
 our country, for the conversion of smal 
 parcels of cocoons into raw silk ; in other 
 words, that agencies should be established 
 for the purchase of cocoons, in all our prin 
 cipal cities, from such persons as cannot 01 
 will not reel them. I do not pretend to be 
 able to say how this can be done ; I am only 
 able to point it out as the most efficien 
 
 means for accomplishing the great object we 
 lave in view. Three or four filatures might 
 >e established ; one in New York, one in 
 "hiladelphia, one in Hartford, one in Boston, 
 
 one more in Baltimore would do no harm, 
 
 and each of these should have agencies iu 
 .he surrounding cities, towns, and villages, 
 "or the purchase of cocoons. This would at 
 >nce create a market for the small parcels 
 jf cocoons, and the profitable disposition of 
 hese small parcels would at once, and of 
 tself, place the raising of silk-worms among 
 ;he ordinary objects of domestic industry. 
 The absence of such a market has, hereto- 
 fore, had a very disheartening effect upon 
 silk-growers. I am unable to suggest any 
 of the details of such a plan, and only give 
 '.t as my belief, that some such arrangement 
 
 s necessary to the success of the silk cause, 
 t have thought these practical hints might 
 be acceptable to some here ; but 1 have al- 
 ready occupied the time of the Convention 
 longer than I intended. Permit me, in con- 
 clusion, to congratulate you on the prospect 
 of the early accomplishment of the great 
 object which we all have at heart, and once 
 more to recall to your attention the mag- 
 nitude of the interest we are advocating. 
 Suppose, for example, that we had the pow- 
 er to recall all the money that has been paid 
 for silk during the last twenty years; we 
 should then be able to pay the whole in- 
 debtedness of our country. Look at it. Dur- 
 ing the last twenty years, we have imported 
 and consumed two hundred and twenty mil- 
 lions of dollars' worth of silk. The whole in- 
 debtedness of our country amounts to about 
 the same sum, and the whole has been ac- 
 cumulated witlain the same time. Suppose 
 we had consumed the same amount of silk, 
 but that of American product; this vast 
 amount would at this time be in our coffers. 
 But it is useless to reflect upon past negli- 
 gence, except so far as the reflection throws 
 light upon our future course of conduct; 
 and it is for this purpose, that it is now re- 
 ferred to. The question, then, is, and with 
 it I now conclude, Shall we make our own 
 silk ? Or shall we continue to drain our 
 country of its previous metals, to supply us 
 with it from abroad? 1 think I know my 
 countrymen sufficiently to enable me to an- 
 swer for them the first branch of the ques- 
 tion We will; the second We will not. 
 Mr. Smith closed, carrying off the uttered 
 thanks and the hearty good-will of all pres- 
 ent. 
 
 AFTERNOON SESSION. 
 
 The Convention met according to ad- 
 journment President Tallmadge in the 
 chair. The resolutions, as reported by 
 the Business Committee, and amended 
 by the Convention, were unanimously 
 passed, and are given below. 
 
 Specimens of silk handkerchiefs, which 
 were pronounced by competent judges to 
 be of a very excellent quality, spun and 
 
REPORT. 
 
 13 
 
 wove by girls who, four months before, 
 had never seen a loom, were exhibited 
 by Mr. Murray, of Paterson, New Jersey. 
 A vote of thanks to Messrs. Allen, of the 
 American Agriculturist, and Fleet, of the 
 United States Fanner, for copies of their 
 respective journals sent in for distribu- 
 tion among the members, was passed. 
 
 Mr. Barbour gave notice that the pub- 
 lishers of the Tribune have now in press, 
 and will publish on the first day of No- 
 vember next, a work on Silk ; containing 
 a general history of its introduction and 
 culture in Europe and the United States ; 
 the natural history of the different spe- 
 cies of Silk- Worm ; the Mulberry-Tree ; 
 its varieties and peculiarities; a history 
 of the Morus Multicaulis speculation in 
 the United States ; progress of the cul- 
 ture of Silk, Machinery, &c. The prin- 
 cipal documents, and much useful infor- 
 mation on many of the subjects embraced 
 in the volume, were collected by Mr. B. 
 
 Mr. B. said the work was designed to 
 be, not a Silk Manual, although there is 
 enough in it to guide any beginner in his 
 first essays. It is more scientific, and 
 adapted to interest the general reader. 
 It abounds with plates representing the 
 silk-worm in all its changes, together 
 with a silk reel and all the machinery 
 employed in the silk manufacture in Eu- 
 rope. It has been got up by the enter- 
 prising publishers at a great expense, as 
 constituting the 6th Number of their 
 Series of Useful Works for the People." 
 Any ingenious mechanic can take these 
 plates, and make the reel, or the ma- 
 chinery represented. 
 
 The President read a note from Mr. 
 Allen, saying that he would be happy .to 
 publish the proceedings of the Conven- 
 tion, or any communication the friends 
 of the silk business might make on the 
 subject, and, as far as consistent with 
 other great interests, to make his paper 
 the organ of the Silk interest. 
 
 Mr. Fleet was present, and stated that 
 he would most willingly lend his in- 
 fluence to the noble cause. Short ad- 
 dresses were made by Mr. Prince and 
 others, in which they stated that silk, as 
 well as cotton and woollen goods, and cut- 
 lery, were labelled "English," "French," 
 and " Italian," in order to make them sell 
 in our city markets. 
 
 Mr. Smith said that there was a large 
 silk manufacturing establishment in Bal- 
 timore, running from 15 to 20 Jacquard 
 looms, and making the best of silk goods, 
 but selling them all as foreign. They 
 would not even permit him to bring 
 samples of their goods to the Convention 
 
 to exhibit as American, and he deter- 
 mined to expose them.* 
 
 The difficulty is, not that our fabrics are 
 not equal to those of Europe, but the 
 idea had gone abroad that nothing of 
 American production could possibly be 
 as good as the imported article. General 
 Tallmadge made some pointed remarks 
 in reference to this feeling. 
 
 Mr. Barbour said he was sorry to be 
 obliged to say, that this anti-American 
 feeling was encouraged and strengthened 
 by the example of men in high places. 
 Even our Congress, (as an American he 
 was ashamed to acknowledge it, but the 
 truth must he told,) even our Congress, 
 when they wanted a new carpet to set 
 their republican feet upon, must needs 
 send to England for it leaving unno- 
 ticed and untouched a better and a 
 cheaper article, grown on the backs of 
 republican sheep, and manufactured by 
 republican hands. 
 
 Mr. Gill, of Mt. Pleasant, Jefferson Co., 
 Ohio, presented, for the examination of 
 the Convention, a model of his Ventilating 
 Cradle. The design of this cradle is to 
 save labor in cleaning the worms, and to 
 give them, at the same time, the benefit 
 of a local circulation of the air. In the 
 experience of Mr. G. and several others, 
 this cradle, with the open shed or tent, 
 curtails expenses nearly one half, and 
 adds to the quantity and the quality of 
 the crop. The Convention heard Mr. 
 G.'s explanations with a great deal of 
 satisfaction, having full confidence in the 
 utility of the system, as a system for 
 general adoption. 
 
 Mr. Pratt, of Shelburne, Mass., laid 
 on the table a very neat card of specimen 
 silk goods, manufactured by his daugh- 
 ters, of the age of ten and thirteen, and 
 knit by an invalid sister. He gave a suc- 
 cinct history of his experience in rearing 
 worms, and preparing the silk for the 
 knitting-needle. He expressed the full- 
 est confidence in the success of the silk- 
 worm on this continent. 
 
 A resolution was next passed that a 
 subscription list be opened to defray the 
 expense of printing the Report ; that 
 each delegate and member of the Con- 
 vention be a committee to collect funds 
 in his neighborhood; and that all sub- 
 scribers be entitled to the full amount of 
 their subscription in copies of the Report 
 at cost. 
 
 The President here gave an interest- 
 
 * Since the Convention closed I have learned that 
 there are tens of thousands of labels printed in this city, 
 by one individual, for American sewing silk, as B*t 
 Italian Sewing Silk. Immense quantities are sold 
 under this deception. I. R. B. 
 
14 
 
 REPORT. 
 
 ing sketch of the rise, progress, and pros- 
 pects of the American Institute. He 
 urged the subscription committee to pro- 
 ceed boldly. The proprietors of the prin 
 cipal hotels in this city, the merchants, 
 and others who derive a benefit from the 
 influx of strangers to the exhibition, he 
 thought would be liberal in aiding the 
 cause. The princely proprietor of How- 
 ard's House had offered his name as 
 good for $ 50, and others would follow 
 this generous example, doubtless. For 
 himself; the general offered his cheerful 
 aid to help on the work. He was ready 
 to share equally the expense and the de- 
 mand on his personal services. Hither- 
 to they had been given freely, and he 
 was not yet drained in his good inten- 
 tions. 
 
 , But before he put the motion to ad- 
 journ, he tendered to ^ie press of the 
 city, which had so generously aided the 
 cause of the Institute in their exertions 
 for public favor, and in giving place in 
 their columns to the reports of the Con- 
 vention he particularly tendered the 
 thanks of the Convention to the Report- 
 el's of the Herald and Express, for the 
 correct and faithful reports of their pro- 
 ceedings. The meeting was then de- 
 clared adjourned. 
 
 Dr. Stebhins, at the close, called the 
 attention of all present to the subject of 
 the manufacture of paper from the leaves 
 of the multicaulis. He has had several 
 reams already made, which satisfy him 
 that, with some improvements, an excel- 
 lent article can be produced. He has a 
 ton of leaves prepared, ready for the man- 
 ufacturer's hands, and hopes before the 
 meeting of the next Convention to be 
 able to write them a narrative of his ex- 
 periments on a sheet of multicaulis letter- 
 paper, which will be equal, if not superior, 
 to the best hot-pressed linen paper now 
 used. He further adverted to the mat- 
 ter of obtaining silk for coarse goods 
 from the inside bark of the mulberry 
 already it had been tried with success, 
 and the only thing wanted was some 
 cunning Yankee invention, wherewith to 
 strip the bark from the tree and separate 
 the fibres. 
 
 The following are the Resolutions 
 adopted by the Convention, as giving 
 their views on the several questions be- 
 fore them : 
 
 1. Resolved, That the full establishment 
 of the silk business, as an integral part of 
 the ordinary industry of this country, is an 
 object claiming the early and high regard 
 of every patriot and philanthropist. 
 
 2. Resolved, That in the history of past 
 experiments in growing silk in the early 
 settlements of Georgia, South Carolina, and 
 Virginia, in Pennsylvania, Connecticut, and 
 Massachusetts, immediately preceding the 
 Revolution, and subsequently, and especial- 
 ly in the larger, more general, and more 
 successful efforts of the past few years, we 
 have ample grounds for augmented confi- 
 dence in all the great principles on which 
 the business is based. 
 
 3. Resolved, That, in regard to all agricul- 
 tural products, there is a broad and well- 
 d^fined distinction to be observed between 
 transient and permanent causes of failure 
 or success : that the permanent causes are 
 soil and climate; and that wherever these 
 are known to be favorable to any such prod- 
 uct, we should never be discouraged by 
 transient causes operating against success 
 knowing that these causes operate in like 
 manner in regard to all such products. 
 
 4. Resolved, That as American silk, in the 
 state in which the worm leaves it, has long 
 been known to be of first-rate quality, it is 
 adequate proof, that the soil and climate of 
 our country are eminently congenial to its 
 culture, inasmuch as these two things are 
 the permanent causes that control the quali- 
 ty of every agricultural product. 
 
 5. Resolved, That the silk culture de- 
 mands, for its successful prosecution, essen- 
 tially the same climate, and the same kind 
 of seasons, and the same kinds of upland 
 soils, as are required for Indian corn ; and, 
 as this crop is successfully cultivated in all 
 the States and Territories of the Union, 
 there is nothing to forbid, but every thing 
 to encourage, the coextensive cultivation 
 of the silk crop. 
 
 6. Resolved, That inasmuch as, in America 
 and China, the mulberry-tree is found in 
 the native forest, it is a manifest indication 
 of Divine Providence, that this country, as 
 well as China, was designed to be a great 
 silk-growing country. 
 
 7. Resolved, That in view of the experi- 
 ments made in different parts of the coun- 
 try, as reported to this Convention from 
 most of the States of the Union, in feeding 
 worms in a natural state of the atmosphere, 
 we are happy to regard the question as 
 triumphantly settled. That, in our supe- 
 rior climate, the open shed, or tent, securing 
 to worms ample shade, and Heaven's pure 
 air essentially unobstructed, is, except in 
 very early or very late feeding, not only all 
 that is needed in the way of building, but 
 intrinsically better than enclosed rooms: 
 Therefore, 
 
 8. Resolved, That 1843 will form a new 
 era in the history of the silk culture in the 
 United States. 
 
 9. Resolved, That the introduction of the 
 foreign varieties of the mulberry-tree, and 
 the Facility with which they have become 
 acclimated, and the reasonable expense at 
 which they may now be procured and prop- 
 agated, give to the American people every 
 
REPORT. 
 
 advantage for the vigorous prosecution of 
 the silk culture. 
 
 Whereas, In the feverish excitements of 
 the years 1838 and '39, many exaggerated 
 statements were put forth, by -persons solely 
 interested in trees as an article of specula- 
 tion, in regard to the profits to be expected 
 from growing silk, and in regard to the 
 intrinsic value of the mulberry-tree ; and 
 whereas, in the prostration that came sub- 
 sequently over this business, the public 
 mind was thrown into a state of complete 
 revulsion, the great body of our people for 
 a time regarding the whole business as a 
 delusion, and mulberry-trees as utterly 
 worthless fit only for the flames and the 
 floods therefore, 
 
 10. Resolved, That we deem it due to our- 
 selves, and to the public, in all candor to 
 say, as we do say, that the silk culture is, 
 in our judgment, entirely feasible, and may 
 easily become second to no other business 
 in the country ; that when conducted with 
 appropriate practical knowledge and skill, 
 and with appropriate facilities, it is more 
 profitable than other ordinary agricultural 
 pursuits; and that mulberry -trees, for the 
 purposes for which they were designed, are 
 intrinsically valuable. 
 
 11. Resolved, That the Convention deeply 
 regret the loss which the country has sus- 
 tained in the wanton and inconsiderate cfe- 
 struction of mulberry-trees consequent upon 
 the revulsion above referred to; and they 
 earnestly recommend to the present owners 
 of trees to preserve and multiply them with 
 all due care, knowing that their value for 
 making silk will, in due time, be appre- 
 ciated. 
 
 12. Resolved, That we are much gratified 
 in beholding the many manifestations of a 
 growing public confidence in the essential 
 merits of the silk business; and we are 
 herein decidedly encouraged to go forward 
 in the business ourselves, using, at the same 
 time, all appropriate means to enlighten the 
 
 Sublic mind, and confirm the public confi- 
 ence, still more fully. For this purpose we 
 will freely communicate to individuals, and 
 to the Conductors of the Newspaper Press, 
 the results of our own experience, and such 
 other information as may be in our power 
 to give ; exercising all due care to keep 
 within the limits of rigid truth. 
 
 13. Resolved, That we rejoice in the lib- 
 eral protection designed to be given to the 
 silk business in the new tariff; and in the 
 fact, that this section of the bill excited no 
 opposition from any quarter of the country, 
 we have a pledge that the policy now es- 
 tablished will remain undisturbed, and that 
 such amendments as experience has already 
 shown, or shall hereafter show, to be neces- 
 sary, will be readily secured ; and, further, 
 inasmuch as our Congress has never im- 
 posed discriminating duties except in favor 
 of such products as may be brought forth 
 from our own fields and workshops, this act 
 is only the expressed opinion of the intelli- 
 gent body that passed it, that our country 
 
 can as well make its own silks as its cot- 
 tons and woollens, its hats and its shoes, its 
 ploughs, its nails, and its axes. 
 
 Wkeretis, The present -tariff prescr bes a 
 duty of fifty cents on the pound \>f raw silk, 
 or silk in the gum, and a higher duty on 
 sewings, and other manufactured silks ; and 
 whereas we are fully informed that sewings 
 and other silks can be, and are imported 
 nearly ready for the market, and yet retain- 
 ing the gum, coming in under this low duty 
 therefore, 
 
 14. Restilned, That we consider this a 
 manifest and a gross invasion of the law 
 designed to aid the American manufacturer. 
 
 15. Resolved, That General James Tall- 
 madge, I. R. Barbour. John W. Gill, Gideon 
 B.^mith, Horace Pitkin, and J. Danforth, 
 be a Committee to claim of the Secretary 
 of the Treasury the prompt correction of 
 this abuse ; and, in case it should become 
 necessary^ that they lay the subject before 
 Congress at the early part of its approaching 
 session. 
 
 Whereas, From the returns made to the 
 Convention, it appears there has been a 
 large increase in the quantity of cocoons 
 raised in the country the present season, 
 especially at the West and the South-West, 
 so large as to give just grounds to fear that 
 many will be. lost for the want of being; 
 timely and suitably reeled therefore, 
 
 16 Resalved, That the early and earnest 
 attention of the friends of the silk cause be 
 directed to family reeling, and to the estab- 
 lishment of filatures for purchasing and reel- 
 ing cocoons, in different localities where 
 they are now urgently needed ; and that 
 the Legislatures of the several States be 
 requested to grant liberal bounties, to en- 
 courage this important and essential part 
 of the general business reeling silk in ai 
 manner suitable for all the varieties of silk 
 goods. 
 
 17. Resolved, That this Convention are 
 exceedingly gratified, in witnessing, as they 
 do on this occasion, such a rich variety of 
 cocoons, raw silks, sewings, twists, braids, 
 gimps, cords, ribbons, handkerchiefs, cra- 
 vats, hosiery, laces, flowered tissues and 
 brocades, in great variety, for vestings, plain 
 and flowered lustrings, and many other 
 kinds of dress silks, velvets, satins, serges, 
 armozines, and other silk goods, grown up- 
 on our own soils, and under our own bril- 
 liant skies, and manufactured by the skilf 
 of our own citizens. 
 
 18. Resolved, That our manufacturers, and 
 other business men, have now every reason- 
 able encouragement to invest, in a wise and 
 careful manner, their funds in this new form 
 of Domestic Labor growing and manufac- 
 turing silk. 
 
 19. Resolved, That this Convention Teams 
 with deep regret that, as in other kinds of 
 American manufactures, it has hitherto been 
 deemed necessary to attach the foreign la- 
 bels, English, French, and Italian, to the 
 excellent sewings and fabrics of our own 
 silk manufactures, in order to command a 
 
16 
 
 REPORT. 
 
 ready sale in our city markets, superior as 
 these sewings and fabrics are known to be 
 in strength, texture, and durability to the 
 foreign articles; and that we earnestly rec- 
 ommend to'our silk manufacturers, now in 
 the infancy of our enterprise, to set a good 
 example to their brethren in other manufac- 
 tures, by attaching their own name to their 
 own goods. 
 
 20. Resolved, That we recommend to our 
 fellow-citizens to cherish, by their patron- 
 age, our infant silk establishments. In this 
 we appeal to those patriotic feelings which 
 ever glow in the hearts of Americans, ask- 
 ing of them all a mutual pledge, each to 
 sustain the efforts of the other, in the pro- 
 gressive development of our mighty re- 
 sources, and the attainment of a peffect 
 National Independence. 
 
 21. Resolved, That the thanks of this Con- 
 vention be presented to the American In- 
 stitute, for the appropriate and vigorous 
 measures they are now taking to promote 
 the interests of the silk business ; for the 
 ample accommodations they have provided 
 for the sessions of this Convention ; and that 
 they be respectfully requested to call anoth- 
 er Convention, similar to the present, during 
 the next Annual Fair of the Institute. 
 
 24. Resolved, That those who are now en- 
 gaged in the silk business, and others who 
 may engage in it the coming season, be re- 
 quested to keep as full a record of all their 
 operations as may be convenient; that they 
 be requested also to hold county or other 
 local Conventions throughout the country, 
 gome time in the month of September next, 
 and collect these records as extensively as 
 
 may be, and forward them to the Secretary 
 of the Institute, in season for the next Con- 
 vention. 
 
 23. Resolved, That the Institute be also re- 
 quested to take measures to procure, as soon 
 as may be, a new Silk Manual, adapted to 
 the present state of the silk culture. 
 
 24. Resolved, That the doings of this Con- 
 vention, together with the numerous letters 
 received from different parts of the country, 
 be submitted to the American Institute for 
 publication in the form of a Report ; and 
 that I. R. Barbour, of Oxford, Mass., be a 
 Committee to aid the Secretary of the Insti- 
 tute in arranging the documents for this 
 purpose. 
 
 Whereas, The facts to be imbodied in the 
 Report, as above contemplated, are of a 
 highly interesting and decisive character, 
 and worthy of an extended distribution 
 therefore, 
 
 25. Resolved, That every member of this 
 Convention regard himself as a Committee 
 to obtain subscriptions for the same as ex- 
 tensively as may be, it being understood 
 that each subscriber will receive Reports at 
 cost, to the amount of his subscription. 
 
 26. Resolved, That the thanks of this Con- 
 vention be presented to the Conductors of 
 the Public Press of this city, and to the Re- 
 po/ters at our tables, who have so promptly 
 and so fully spread the proceedings of this 
 Convention before their readers, and the 
 country. 
 
 JAMES TALLMADGE, President. 
 JAMES HARRISON, ) Sf , retariKS 
 JACOB C. PARSONS, \ !>ecretartes ' 
 
CORRESPONDENCE. 
 
 OFFICIAL LETTERS. 
 
 STATE DEPARTMENT, ANNAPOLIS, MD., 
 
 September 22, 1843. 
 
 Dear Sir: The circular communication 
 of the "American Institute," of the 15th 
 ultimo, which you addressed to his Excel- 
 lency, the Governor of Maryland, owing to 
 his temporary absence from the seat of gov- 
 ernment, did not reach him until to-day. 
 This will account for the delay in answer- 
 ing it. 
 
 The Governor requests me to inform you, 
 that no bounty is given on silk, and also 
 that there are no legislative enactments re- 
 specting it, which secure to the treasury any 
 return from its cultivation. 
 I am, sir, 
 With high respect, yours, 
 
 JNO. C LE GRAND. 
 T. B. Wakeman, Esq., 
 Cor. Sec. of American Institute, New York. 
 
 NEWARK, N. J., Aug. 21, 1843. 
 Dear Sir: The Court of Chancery in 
 this State sits on the very day fixed for the 
 Fair of the American Institute, which must 
 deprive me of the pleasure of being with you. 
 There was a bonus for one year, I think 
 1838, on silk. The amount paid that year 
 was nominal, not exceeding twenty dollars. 
 I remember it well, for it was made a party 
 question of, and repealed. With my thanks 
 for your polite invitation, I remain, 
 Very respectfully, 
 
 Your ob't serv't, 
 
 WM. PENNINGTON. 
 T. B. Wakeman, Esq. 
 
 TREASURER'S OFFICE, INDIANAPOLIS, 
 
 September 9, 1843. 
 
 Sir : In reply to the questions contained 
 in your Circular, of date 15th August, I state, 
 
 1. That our State gives no bounty out of 
 the State treasury, but, by an act of last win- 
 ter, has authorized the Boards of County 
 Commissioners of the respective counties to 
 give a bounty of 15 cents per pound for 
 cocoons, and of 25 cents per pound for reeled 
 silk. 
 
 2. The law above referred to is the only 
 one that has been passed on the subject, and 
 has no limitation as to time of its continuance. 
 
 I am not aware that any county has made 
 provision for giving bounties as above con- 
 templated. 
 
 In this neighborhood, and in several other 
 parts of this State, silk has been produced for 
 2* 
 
 several years past Wayne county, I under- 
 stand, produces the most. At this place from 
 forty to fifty bushels of cocoons have been 
 obtained the present season. In this town 
 and neighborhood there are about fifty acres 
 in Morus Multicaulis trees, from two to three 
 years old. 
 
 More attention would be given to the busi- 
 ness was there some practical and experienced 
 person at hand, from whom information as to 
 feeding and reeling could be obtained. 
 
 A ready market for cocoons is much want- 
 ed. The Multicaulis seems to stand our 
 winters very well. Others, who have had 
 some experience on this subject, will cor- 
 respond with you, and give such further 
 information as may be in their power. 
 
 Yours, &c., 
 G. H. DUNN, Treasurer of State. 
 
 T. B. Wakeman, Esq. 
 
 MADISON, WISCONSIN, 
 September 15, 1843. 
 
 Sir : I am favored with the circular letter 
 of the American Institute, dated the 15th of 
 August, and can only inform you in reply, 
 that no encouragement is given by the laws 
 of this Territory to the production of silk. 
 About six thousand dollars' worth of silk has 
 been produced by one gentleman, who took 
 his cocoons to Boston. I have several mul- 
 berry-trees growing in my garden at this 
 place, which thrive, and were not affected by 
 the frosts of last winter. It is the opinion 
 of many persons with whom I have con- 
 versed, and who appear to be well-informed 
 in regard to it, that the culture of silk may 
 be prosecuted to great advantage in the 
 country south of the Neenah and Wisconsin 
 Rivers. 
 
 With much respect, 
 
 I am your obedient servant, 
 
 J. D. DOTY. 
 Mr. T. B. Wakeman, Cor. Sec. 
 
 TREASURER'S OFFICE, MONTPELIER, VT., 
 August 30, 1843. 
 
 Dear Sir : I have the honor to acknowl- 
 edge the receipt of your Circular of the 15th 
 inst., addressed to his Excellency, the Gov- 
 ernor of Vermont, and make the following 
 reply to the interrogatories therein con- 
 tained, viz. : 
 
 1. Our Legislature, at their session Oc- 
 tober, 1835, granted a premium often cents 
 per pound on cocoons. At their session 
 October, 1838, they increased the premium 
 to twenty cents for cocoons, twenty cents for 
 C 
 
18 
 
 LETTERS. 
 
 reeled silk, twenty cents for all wove silk. 
 This law still remains in force. The amount 
 of premiums paid for the year 1835-6 I 
 cannot now state, the books of this depart- 
 ment of that year being in the hands of the 
 Auditor, at Woodstock ; the amount, how- 
 ever, must have been small. 
 There has been paid, for 1837-38, $36 52 
 1838-39, 78 65 
 1839-40, 360 71 
 1840-41, 1830 39 
 1841-42, 1891 17 
 1842-43, 1756 69* 
 Your obedient servant, 
 
 JOHN SPAULDING, Treasurer. 
 
 TREASURY OFFICE, BOSTON, MASS., 
 August 26, 1843. 
 
 The following is given as the result of an 
 examination of documents in this Office, in 
 reply to certain questions proposed by the 
 Corresponding Secretary of the American 
 Institute, in a letter addressed to his Ex- 
 cellency, the Governor, viz. : 
 
 1. " Dpes your State give a bounty on 
 silk ? " 
 
 2. " Is the bounty on cocoons, or on reeled 
 silk, and how much on each ? " 
 
 3. "In what year did the bounty law go 
 into effect, and when does it expire ? " 
 
 A law passed April 7, 1835, to continue in 
 force for two years, gives a bounty to any 
 person who shall reel, or cause to be reeled 
 or thrown, in the Commonwealth, from co- 
 coons produced from silk- worms raised there- 
 in, merchantable silk capable of being manu- 
 factured into the various silk fabrics, fifty 
 cents for every pound of silk so reeled or 
 thrown. 
 
 A law passed April 11, 1836, to continue 
 in force seven years, gives a bounty of one 
 dollar for every ten pounds of cocoons, and a 
 bounty of one" dollar for every pound of silk 
 reeled and thrown, and fifty cents for every 
 pound reeled, without being thrown. 
 
 A law passed March 31, 1839, gives a 
 bounty of one dollar and fifty cents for every 
 ten pounds of cocoons, and repeals the laws 
 giving a bounty of fifty cents per pound for 
 throwing silk. 
 
 Amount paid in cash each year, viz : 
 
 1836, $71 37 
 
 1837, 198 
 
 1838, 350 52 
 
 1839, 434 62 
 
 1840, 1233 59 
 
 1841, 2111 42 
 
 1842, 3374 11 
 
 1843, 1852 70 1 
 
 * The current year closes 30th Sept., which wil 
 probuhly increase the amount. 
 
 | As a resident of Massachusetts, I would say, th;i 
 the last-named sum, $1852 70, must have been p;ii< 
 upon the crop of ]84'2. The Treasurer's books show 
 th amount paid each calendar year, from January t 
 January. The law expired, by its own limitation, i 
 March, 1843, and this sum was paid between Januar; 
 1st and that time, and of course on the crop of 1842 
 But, for the same reasons, a part of the sum ,-jiven fo 
 1842, belongs to 1841, and so on. I. R. B 
 
 SECRETARY'S OFFICE, BOSTON, 
 
 August 29, 1843. 
 
 Sir: By direction of his Excellency, Gov- 
 rnor Morton, I forward to you the foregoing 
 memorandum, in reply to your Circular ot 
 August loth, 
 
 And am very respectfully, yours, 
 
 JOHN A. BOLLES, Secretary of State. 
 T. B. Wakeman, ESCJ., 
 Cor. Sec. American Institute, New York. 
 
 ETTERS RECEIVED BY THE CON- 
 VENTION FROM SILK-GROWERS 
 AND MANUFACTURERS. 
 
 IN presenting these Letters, the Publishing 
 Committee offer a few remarks : 
 
 1. The letters, we are happy to say, are 
 so numerous and full, that it has been found 
 necessary to throw out dates, introductions, 
 apologies, conclusions, &c., only preserving 
 the substance of each letter ; allowing, how- 
 ever, each correspondent to tell his own 
 story, in his own way, and, as far as possible, 
 
 n his own words. But those received from 
 State Treasurers in regard to bounty laws on 
 silk are given entire ; and our only regret is, 
 that we could not hear from all the States 
 on the subject, in the same official way. 
 
 2. In the arrangement, we give the official 
 letters first, then those relating to silk-grow- 
 ing, and throw those received from manu- 
 facturers together at the close. 
 
 3. A part of these letters were addressed 
 to the Trustees of the American Institute, a 
 part to the New England Silk Convention, 
 and a very few to individuals. But they are 
 all thrown into a common lot. 
 
 4. The reader will perceive quite opposite 
 sentiments expressed in these letters, in re- 
 gard to some points. It would be just so, if 
 150 or 200 farmers should undertake to give 
 similar statements respecting their corn crops. 
 Considering how new the silk business is, and 
 how experimental all our operations hitherto 
 have been, it is to me a matter of wonder and 
 delight to see such a measure of agreement 
 on all essential points. It shows the close 
 attention, and the careful discrimination, that 
 have been employed in the business. 
 
 5. The letters were too numerous to be 
 read, in the brief time the Convention were 
 in session, and quite a number hare been 
 received since its adjournment. Some of 
 these letters contained specimens of manu- 
 
LETTERS. 
 
 factored silk, vestings, ladies' dresses, &c., 
 designed for the exhibitions of the Fair ; and 
 as they did not reach the city in time for this 
 purpose, they have all fallen, I am happy to 
 say, into my hands. I have carefully put 
 them all into a book, suitable for the pocket, 
 provided for the purpose, with the manufac- 
 turer's name attached to each specimen. 
 Hundreds of eyes will see and admire them. 
 
 6. The questions propounded by the Trus- 
 tees of the Institute are given in full in the 
 Circular on the first pages of this Report. 
 Some of the letters will be unintelligible 
 without referring to these questions. 
 
 7. Every silk-grower will be greatly inter- 
 ested and benefited by carefully reading and 
 studying these letters. He will get many 
 new ideas. The beginner should read them 
 in like manner, and then select one of the best 
 owes, and follow it out carefully and fully. I 
 recommend this as the safest course in all 
 such cases. Too many teachers will spoil 
 any experiment 
 
 8. From these letters one thing is very 
 manifest, and that is, that the silk business is 
 extending throughout all our States that it 
 is assuming has already assumed the 
 character of a regular business in this country. 
 All the elementary questions upon which it 
 is based appear to be settled, and there now 
 remains nothing to forbid its wide extension 
 as rapidly as correct information respecting 
 it can be diffused. 
 
 9. Another thought will strike the casual 
 reader of these letters. It is that almost 
 every body has invented a reel, or a twister, 
 or something else connected with the silk 
 business. Some, of course, must be disap- 
 pointed, for all cannot be best. But the case 
 shows that there has been, in connection with 
 this business, a vast amount of thought and 
 invention brought into activity the same 
 as in all other departments of American labor. 
 
 I. R. BARBOUR. 
 
 LETTERS . 
 
 TIMOTHY WHEELRIGHT, Wells, Maine. 
 Wishing to learn how to manage the worm, 
 I began to feed as soon as I set my trees, and 
 have fed five seasons with this result : first 
 year, 1 Ib. cocoons ; second year, 6 Ibs. ; third 
 year, 27 Ibs. ; fourth year, 34 Ibs. ; cocoons 
 of the first crop, 240 to the Ib. ; second, 312 
 to the Ib. ; this year, not yet through. I es- 
 timate the expense at ten cents a pound. 
 
 Trees not injured by the winter after the first 
 year. The building I use for a cocoonery is 
 about 18 by 24 feet, posts 8 feet, and as open 
 as our common barns, the floor very open, no> 
 floor overhead, but well shingled, with win- 
 dows at the sides and ends that were always 
 kept partly open. I conclude it to be about 
 as open a shelter as the tent of Mr. Gill, of 
 Ohio. I make no use of artificial heat or lime 
 in any age of the worms, but rely on clean- 
 liness ; never feed with wet leaves, and my 
 worms are always healthy. My shelves for 
 feeding are of the most simple construction 
 rough boards placed on hanging ladders, se- 
 cured from ants, and covered with newspa- 
 pers". I have just gathered one crop of cocoons, 
 and find them to be very nice. I saved some 
 for seed which I counted : they were 260 to 
 the pound. I reeled one, singly, to ascertain 
 the length of thread one worm spins. I reel- 
 ed off 680 yards before the thread broke. 1 
 should judge there were 150 yards left. The 
 crop of worms I have gathered were hatched 
 the 28th of June, and it was 36 days before 
 they began to rise to spin, which I attribute 
 to the coldness of the season. Perhaps artifi- 
 cial heat for the coldest of the weather would 
 have quickened them five or six days, but 
 there could have been no more gain, except 
 there was more silk from the same quantity 
 of leaves. I have two other crops (Aug. 20) 
 yet to spin, which appear to be very healthy. 
 To conclude, it is my opinion that a tent 
 which will keep the worms dry, in our climate, 
 is a sufficient shelter for the worms, and if 
 our cheap factory cottons will answer for such 
 tents, the saving, in comparison to building, 
 will be very great indeed. 
 
 MR. SMITH, Guernsey Co., Ohio, has made, 
 the past season, 70 bushels good cocoons. He 
 decidedly prefers Mr. Gill's system of shed 
 or tent, and cradle feeding. 
 
 JOHN ZANE, Martinville, Ohio, has fed, this 
 season, 57 bushels of cocoons, all pea-nuts; 
 thinks very highly of Mr. Gill's shed and 
 cradle, is confident that this system reduces 
 expenses one half, and increases the quantity 
 and the quality of the crop. 
 
 JOHN McSuMMv, Manheim, Lancaster Co., 
 Penn., says : Your Convention was un- 
 known to me until this day, too late for me 
 to attend. I am sorry, as I have over 100 
 Ibs. of well-reeled silk (from 10 to 20 fibres) 
 of this year's crop, which I should like to 
 take on to New York to sell, besides attend 
 the Convention. I have more yet to reel. 
 There is much silk raised in this county. We 
 have suffered for want of good reelers. I 
 have now surmounted this difficulty, as well 
 as other difficulties in raising silk, and expe- 
 rience both pleasure and profit in the busi- 
 ness. I should be very glad to receive orders 
 from manufacturers for my silk now reeled, 
 or I will reel to order. 
 
 I began in the silk business in 1839, and 
 have increased as follows : 
 
LETTERS. 
 
 1839, made 40 Ibs. cocoons. 
 
 1840, " 165 " " 
 
 1841, " 534 " " 
 ' 1842, " 856 " " 
 
 1843, "nearly 1800 " " 
 I have used different kinds of leaves, but 
 never found any difference where the trees 
 were cultivated alike. They must be culti- 
 vated and kept clean, otherwise it is useless 
 to try to make silk. It is also useless to try 
 to feed after harvest, where the old leaves 
 have not been taken off the early part of the 
 
 I have fed for two seasons out of doors, in 
 open shantecs, after the worms had passed the 
 third moulting, and led altogether on branch- 
 es. It is a very great saving of expense and 
 labor. 
 
 JAMES HAMILTON, 2n, Bridport, Addlson 
 Co., Vt. Sir : It is four years since I com- 
 menced feeding worms. The first year had 
 but few, fed them in a tight chamber before 
 an open window, did well. The next year 
 fed many more in the same chamber, but not 
 with as good success. The third and fourth 
 seasons I fed in my corn-house, with a door 
 open at each end, which gave a free circula- 
 tion of air, closing them only in cool weather, 
 or in case of high winds. 
 
 At one time, in a very heavy shower, with 
 high wind, the doors and windows were open, 
 and the shelf of pea-nuts near the windows 
 was completely drenched in the torrent, and 
 I thought lost. As the water drained off, 
 however, they revived, fresh leaves were 
 given them, and they came forth with renew- 
 ed vigor. We have not had any trouble with 
 diseased worms since we commenced feeding 
 in the corn-house. 
 
 As to the variety of worms, I should prefer 
 the pea-nuts and sulphur for beauty and tex- 
 ture, but the orange for weight. I feed on 
 the white mulberry and the multicaulis. 
 
 DR. JOEL RICE, Bridport, Addison Co., Vt. 
 Sir : In the spring of 1839 several indi- 
 viduals of us in this town were induced to 
 engage moderately in the mulberry specula- 
 tion, and as in most other cases, our expecta- 
 tions of profit from the sale of trees were cut 
 off; but we did not therefore come to the 
 conclusion that the trees were worthless, but 
 have continued to propagate them to some 
 extent, with the expectation that silk would 
 ere long become an important staple of our 
 country, with an adequate protection by our 
 government. 
 
 We have fed worms four years, mostly on 
 a small scale, two individuals have made 
 about 50 Ibs. cocoons the past season, have 
 generally fed in rooms too confined, two or 
 three persons have used buildings for feeding 
 that were well ventilated, and have succeeded 
 better ; worms more healthy and cocoons 
 larger. We use mostly the multicaulis ; those 
 that we design to plant the next season we 
 take up in fall, put them in sand in the cellar, 
 or bury them in the field ; those that we wish 
 to make permanent trees we let stand. I 
 
 have multicaulis-trees which have stood three 
 winters, have greatly increased in their foli- 
 age every season, and appear to endure the 
 frosts as well as the Alpine or Italian. 
 
 We have fed early and late, and have suc- 
 ceeded much better with the former. 
 
 We have had no experience in the manu- 
 facture of silk, except sewing silk ; in this we 
 have succeeded tolerably well. We have as 
 yet had no apparatus but that in common 
 domestic use. 
 
 The names of those who are cultivating 
 the mulberry in this town are Rev. Dana 
 Lamb, Messrs. Luther Ferre, Royal Gay, Asa 
 Rice, Henry Jones, Jonas Rice, Josiah Bar- 
 rows, James Hamilton, 2d, Gordon Searl, and 
 George Gale, and we hope soon to enlist 
 manv others in an enterprise which we con- 
 sider feasible, and one that will result in a 
 profitable and permanent branch of American 
 industry. 
 
 A. C. VAN EPPS, Auburn, JV. Y. I en- 
 gaged a cocoonery in ]842. A gentleman 
 here had a quantity of eggs, saved by himself 
 in 1841, from eggs sent him by his son, Rev. 
 Mr. Pease, missionary to Cyprus, consisting 
 of the following varieties, namely : Broosa, 
 Lapithas,and Paphos considered among the 
 best ever introduced in this country. I knew 
 them to be from healthy stock, and supposed 
 my prospect good. I called on him early in 
 June and found them in a close box in his 
 cellar, and on opening found all hatched or 
 nearly so. In my ignorance I considered this 
 a favorable commencement. I took over 30 
 ounces, and proceeded at once to the business 
 of feeding. The result any novice can guess. 
 Disease raged from the beginning ; and in 
 the end, I had no silk. I visited a silk-grower 
 in the country, and got from him a few choice 
 cocoons, from which I saved, perhaps, one 
 sixth of an ounce of eggs. These I fed dur- 
 ing the present season with perfect success, 
 and have saved over two pounds of eggs no 
 appearance of sickness was visible. The 
 worms grew very large, and the cocoons ex- 
 ceeded, in beauty and quality, any I have 
 ever seen. The first year was attended with 
 several hundred dollars' expense, and this with 
 none. The first season I fed in a large two- 
 story cocoonery. This year I fed in a small 
 barn sawed off the boards part of the way 
 roupd, and with the doors open most of the 
 time. The worms were as well supplied with 
 air, as they would have been on the tree. I 
 placed a quantity of eggs on the trees, which 
 hatched and grew finely until the third moult- 
 ing, when the birds took them all. 
 
 I shall use multicaulis in my future feeding 
 shall plant them in the best soil, about five 
 feet apart and cultivate them with as much 
 care as a crop of corn. I should commence 
 feeding in April, if leaves could be procured 
 so early for I should be very unwilling to 
 retard the hatching process of the egg. A 
 friend of mine has been feeding a few worms 
 for three or four years past with entire fail- 
 ures or results similar to my first year. 
 This season, he extended an awning in front of 
 
LETTERS. 
 
 a shed in which he fed, and placed in it one 
 of Mr. Gill's Cradles ; but he was so afraid 
 the "poor creatures" would be "too much 
 exposed," he boarded the sides up to the 
 awning, and thus completely destroyed the 
 experiment. Personal experience, in this 
 business, teaches a dear sckool ; but it seems 
 that some of us will profit by no other, 
 
 HON. WM. WOODB RIDGE, Detroit, Michi- 
 gan. I am honored by the printed commu- 
 nication you were pleased to transmit to me, 
 on the part of the managers of the American 
 Institute, relative especially to the culture 
 and manufacture of silk. I am sorry that it 
 is not in my power, individually, to add any 
 thing to the general fund of information 
 which, so greatly to the benefit of the coun- 
 try, the Institute is collecting relatively to 
 this subject. I do not hesitate, however, in 
 expressing the opinion, imperfect as may 
 be the data upon which that opinion rests, 
 that complete success will ultimately crown 
 the efforts of those who are now so patrioti- 
 cally seeking to introduce among us the cul- 
 ture and manufacture of silk. The almost 
 infinite variety of soil, climate, and aspect, 
 which the broad surface of our immense and 
 fertile country exhibits, cannot, I think, leave 
 a doubt upon the minds of our intelligent 
 citizens, but that, with a steady and reasona- 
 ble protection on the part of government, 
 these efforts must succeed and to the im- 
 measurable benefit, ultimately, of the nation. 
 The peninsula of Michigan is hardly yet suf- 
 ficiently reclaimed from its wilderness state 
 to have furnished any experiments of a con- 
 clusive character ; and yet I have understood 
 that some individuals among our farming 
 citizens have turned their attention and ef- 
 forts to this object, with very flattering re- 
 sults, so far ; and, with a view to encourage 
 and fix still more the attention of our agri- 
 culturists here to the subject, I this day send 
 your printed communication, together with 
 the beautiful specimen of sewing-silk which 
 was contained in it, to the " Washtenaw Ag- 
 ricultural Society," of which the place of 
 meeting is at " Ann Arbor," some forty miles 
 in the interior ; near which place one of our 
 enterprising fellow-citizens has already pro- 
 duced some beautiful specimens of silk, 
 which he has himself grown. 
 
 [With great pleasure, we give room for the 
 following neat little case, from a young girl, 
 13 to 14 years old. I. R. B.] 
 
 Miss ANGELA A. BRYANT, Mansfield, Mass. 
 My father, who had the pleasure of con- 
 versing with you on board the Cleopatra, in- 
 forms me that you wish to collect as full an 
 account of the silk culture as possible, in- 
 cluding the smallest essays, and mine is 
 such. 
 
 Summer before last I had given to me 40 
 young silk- worms. From the eggs procured 
 in this way I had, last summer, between 5 
 and 600 worms, which I fed mostly on the 
 white mulberry. I lost but few by disease. 
 They were fed five times a day, and the litter 
 
 was removed every other day by taking 
 them in the hand and placing them on fresh 
 leaves. At 30 days of age they began to 
 spin. There was much irregularity in the 
 time of winding. From my 600 worms I 
 raised 5 pints of cocoons, which 1 sent to Mr. 
 Hewins, of Foxborough, Mass. The prod- 
 uct was 18 skeins of sewing-silk. Of the 
 expenses I can say nothing, but I derived a 
 great deal of pleasure from the care of my 
 beautiful spinners. 
 
 DR. JOEL BARBER, Orwell, Rutland Coun- 
 ty, Vt. I have fed a few worms, each year, 
 for the last five years. I have kept my worms 
 in my chamber, without any attention to tem- 
 perature, except closing the windows in damp 
 and cold weather. My worms have been in- 
 variably healthy. I think the bounty in this 
 State will pay the expense of feeding. We 
 have manufactured our cocoons into sewing- 
 silk and twist, with a common reel and 
 wheel. The silk, for beauty and strength, is 
 equal to Italian. 
 
 Last spring I laid down several thousand 
 trees, with a view of doing business on a 
 larger scale. The Alpine, Broosa, and Ital- 
 ian varieties flourish in this State. The mul- 
 ticaulis cannot be got forward in season to 
 get a crop so early. I put out my eggs to 
 hatch as soon as the trees begin to leave out. 
 The business is increasing in this vicinity. 
 Israel Smith, Esq., of this town, has seven 
 acres covered with beautiful trees. He has 
 commenced feeding, this season, with good 
 success. Others have raised from 5 to 100 
 Ibs. cocoons. Confidence in the success of 
 the business is increasing from year to year. 
 
 CLINTON S. FAY, (late of the N. Y. Deaf 
 and Dumb Institute,) Salem Cross Roads^ 
 Chat. Co., N. Y. i thank you for the An- 
 nual Report of the New England Silk Con- 
 vention that you sent me last spring. I have 
 been engaged for eight years in the business 
 of growing silk. I commence feeding worms 
 in the early part of the season. I have used 
 no artificial heat ; kept them in an out-house, 
 where they had plenty of fresh air, and they 
 were healthy. I fed a few thousand worms 
 on the multicaulis, and some on the white 
 mulberry at the same time. Those fed on 
 the white mulberry were large and healthy, 
 measuring most of them 3 inches in length, 
 when full grown, and make good cocoons ; 
 while those fed on the multicaulis were of an 
 inferior size, making lighter cocoons than 
 those fed on the white mulberry ; weighed 2 
 pounds, while the same number made by 
 those fed on the multicaulis only 2 pounds. 
 I think that the white mulberry is the best ; 
 there is more substance in the leaves than in 
 the multicaulis. [Our friend does not tell us 
 whether the multicaulis leaves, in the above 
 experiment, were equally ripe. 1. R. B.] 
 
 F.LEONARD, Watcrtovm, JV. Y. 1 hatched 
 a crop of pea- nut silk- worms the 1st of 
 July, which were kept till after their second 
 moulting in an airy room, and then put into 
 
LETTERS. 
 
 a barn which had been removed from its old 
 location. In this barn they had a free circu- 
 lation of air either with or without the doors 
 being shut. The worms did well till after 
 fourth moulting, when some turned yellow 
 and died loss at k-ast 20 per cent. A lot 
 of worms, fed by a lady, (Mrs. Fairbanks, of 
 Le KoyJ near me, from the same eggs, are 
 the finest I ever saw. Yet she too sustained 
 a small loss from same disease. She states 
 that a few worms, looking so bad that she 
 considered them lost, she threw them into 
 the garden, and there fed them ; and a great 
 portion of them recovered and made cocoons 
 in the grass. 
 
 DAVID W. DEXTER, Claremont, JV. H . I 
 regret much that I am not able to meet my 
 friends, the silk-growers of the country, in 
 Convention; but unforeseen circumstances 
 have rendered my absence unavoidable. I 
 confidently believe that these two Conven- 
 tions, at Northampton and New York, will 
 spread before the public so much practical 
 experience, and such profitable results, that 
 the last lingering doubts of the most preju- 
 diced and disappointed multicaulis specula- 
 tor must be removed ; and that they, and all 
 others who have looked upon the persever- 
 ing silk-grower with contempt, will be com- 
 pelled to admit that we have not been chasing 
 shadows ; that the culture and manufacture 
 of silk is altogether feasible, and will be a 
 source of wealth to this nation. In regard to 
 the results of my own experience, am una- 
 ble to give any statistical statements. 
 
 From five years' experience, I have come 
 to the full conclusion that open or tent-feed- 
 ing is the only way that we can raise silk 
 successfully. My cocoonery is 106 feet by 
 25, with 20 windows, 3 ventilators in the 
 roof, and a number in the floor. This sea- 
 son I have taken out the windows, and left 
 open the ventilators day and night, and with 
 admirable success. It is the pure air of 
 heaven that is needed, and the more the bet- 
 ter ; and I think, sir, that we had better turn 
 our whole attention to the raising of one 
 crop, which in our latitude should be secured 
 up by the 1st of Sept. 
 
 SAML. C. MOORE, Georgetown, Mass. I 
 send you a sample of the silk I raised this 
 year, reeled on a common silk-reel, and 
 spun on a common spinning-wheel. I re- 
 ceived for my silk and cocoons, at the Essex 
 Co. cattle show at Andover, $8.00, as a gra- 
 tuity ; by mistake printed as for Amos P. 
 Dodge. The quantity I shall have cannot 
 yet tell, as it is not all reeled. My worms 
 did very well. 
 
 I think the friends of the cause have great 
 reason to congratulate themselves on the 
 present aspects of the silk business. New 
 England can grow silk. We can easily be- 
 come, in a few years, exporters of this rich 
 and beautiful article. I am glad our people 
 are beginning to see that it is bad policy to 
 send our money abroad for an article which 
 we can just as well grow and manufacture 
 
 ourselves. Another thing : the western rail- 
 road now opens all the great markets of New 
 England to the agricultural products of the 
 rich and boundless West, so that all our 
 products are now low, and likely to remain 
 so. New England farmers, therefore, must 
 take up something new ; something with 
 which the market cannot be glutted. That 
 silk is that thing, there is not, in my mind, a 
 question. 
 
 HON. LEVI WOODBURY, Portsmouth, JV. H. 
 I am not a silk-grower, and therefore am 
 not able to answer the inquiries put by you ; 
 neither do I manufacture any, but I have 
 taken some interest in both, and have some 
 mulberry-trees grown, with a view, when 
 leisure may permit, to attempt rearing the 
 silk-worm on a small scale, requiring no great 
 outlay of capital, and employing the aged, 
 infirm, and youth chiefly in the work. 1 
 have for some years believed the business 
 would prove profitable. 
 
 My thanks for the specimen of sewing- 
 silk sent me, and your polite invitation to at- 
 tend the anniversary of the Institute, which 
 previous engagements must prevent. 
 
 D. B. BLAKESLEY, Newark, Wayne Co., 
 JV. F. I am a silk-grower, and feel a deep 
 interest in the enterprise. 1 send you a brief 
 statement of my experience in the business. 
 (1.) I have fed silk-worms three years; the 
 first year I failed for want of sufficient ven- 
 tilation ; from two ounces eggs well hatched, 
 (pea-nut variety,) 4 bushels cocoons. Sec- 
 ond year, summer of 1842, my success was 
 triumphant ; from four ounces eggs (common 
 sulphur) the product was 33 bushels superior 
 cocoons. The third year, viz., the past sum- 
 mer, I have failed almost entirely from six 
 ounces eggs (both pea-nut and sulphur) the 
 product was 15| bushels very poor cocoons. 
 (2.) My cocoonery is in an upper room in a 
 building 163 feet long and 40 feet wide ; the 
 lower part is used for horses to stand under 
 during church service on Sunday. Last spring 
 a hen-house (which I could not prevent) was 
 built in one end of the lower part of the build- 
 ing and directly under my cocoonery ; the 
 hen-house is 30 by 40 feet; hens to the 
 amount of two to three hundred have been 
 kept there all summer, and I have conse- 
 quently not had a breath of pure air in my 
 cocoonery during the season ; the stench 
 arising from the hen-roost, at particular times, 
 was almost suffocating. My worms were 
 managed this year precisely the same as last, 
 by the same persons, and fed from the same 
 trees. Several of my neighbors have en- 
 gaged in feeding worms this year, and all 
 have been very successful, and had their 
 eggs of me. I am unable to account for my 
 failure in any other way than by the infected 
 air from the hen-house. My last parcel of 
 worms, at the age of two weeks, which were 
 very unhealthy and dying rapidly, I gave to 
 a neighbor, who removed them into his own 
 laboratory, and in 48 hours they had stopped 
 dying, revived, and have done well ever 
 
LETTERS. 
 
 23 
 
 since, and are now winding. I have com- 
 mon stoves, but have not resorted to artifi- 
 cial heat but very little at any time; when- 
 ever 1 have, I have endeavored to keep the 
 temperature up to 75 degrees Fahrenheit. 
 (3.) . ave never fed in open sheds or tent. 
 ^ i.) I prefer the orange pea-nut to any I am 
 acquainted with. (5.) I use the multicaulis, 
 and no other ; I care not how they are plant- 
 ed, whether in cuttings or whole trees ; cut 
 oil' the tops close to the ground in the fall, if 
 they are to be preserved for planting ; if not, 
 1 do it early in the spring. .The same quan- 
 tity of ground will produce more foliage, 
 managed in that way, than to let the trees 
 stand. ((>.) I have had as good success in 
 late feeding as early ; my experience has 
 taught me no difference. (7.) The failures 
 in feeding that have come under my observa- 
 tion, in a proportion of 99 to 100, have been 
 for want of sufficient ventilation. I have 
 used the mulberry-leaf for no other purpose 
 than feeding worms and milch cows, and 
 neither have I tried any experiments to get 
 the bark off the tree. From all my expe- 
 rience and observation, I think we have 
 abundant encouragement in this most noble 
 of all American enterprises. 
 
 TITUS BROWN, Franccstown, JV. H. I 
 want your Report. I cannot truly call my- 
 self a silk-grower, except it be in anticipation. 
 It is my intention, at a future, and not a dis- 
 tant day, to engage in the business. I am, 
 for that purpose, cultivating a considerable 
 quantity of the multicaulis mulberry, and 
 shall next year increase the number of my 
 trees as much as possible. Some of my 
 neighbors laugh at me, but I am not discour- 
 aged. I believe the business, when fairly 
 established, will afford as rich a return for 
 the capital and labor employed as any of the 
 ordinary branches of business in which men 
 engage. With such a result, those who go 
 into it should be satisfied. 
 
 ROBERT SINCLAIR, Clairmont Nurse ry, near 
 Baltimore. I have not been engaged in 
 manufacturing silk, but, having a large stock 
 of multicaulis and other mulberry-trees, I 
 built a house, 42 by 30 feet, two stories high, 
 both stories and garret well shelved, with a 
 suitable cellar to preserve and cut the leaves 
 in. In 1841, I had 83 bushels of cocoons 
 raised in it sulphur and pea-nut, mostly 
 the former. In 1842, 1 let the house and 
 trees to a person on shares, who made about 
 16 pounds of reeled silk, and upwards of 100 
 ounces of pea-nut eggs. The present season 
 I managed it mostly myself, but, owing to 
 many other engagements, I made only one 
 crop, amounting to 34 bushels of pea-nut co- 
 coons, which was as many as the house would 
 hold at one time. To regulate the tempera- 
 ture, I have a small tight room in the cellar, 
 with a stove in it, which enables the mana- 
 ger to warm the house, by means of suitable 
 conductors to convey the heated air into the 
 d fferent parts; but I find, in our climate, 
 this trouble and expense may be avoided, by 
 
 commencing about the first of the 6th month, 
 after the chilly, damp weather is past. My 
 glass windows are in one frame, and hinged 
 so as to open or shut as the weather requires; 
 and also Venetian shutters, so constructed 
 that each slat, working on its own pivot, can 
 instantly be changed from the broad side to 
 its edge only to the light, admitting or ex- 
 cluding light, and air, and heat which I 
 find very convenient. * I prefer the pea-nut, 
 and the multicaulis to feed with ; 1 think 
 the wfcite Italian equally good, but the tedi- 
 ous gathering is a serious objection. 1 think 
 it best to cut the leaves very fine until ai'ter 
 their second moulting, then, to save tune and 
 expense, feed with branches. When ready 
 to spin, it is best to remove them to clean 
 shelves, and feed them plentifully with 
 leaves. If cut, it will be better, all which 
 will prevent their becoming sickly, and spin- 
 ning in their own dirt ; this is the period in 
 which most failures occur, and may be easi- 
 ly presented by a little extra attention for 
 about a week, and the profit and success 
 much depends upon it. At the second 
 moulting I have observed that only one 
 half, or two thirds, moult the first day, and 
 the balance the next day. I find it much 
 best, and saves trouble afterwards, to keep 
 these separate. My other engagements are 
 such, together with advanced age, as will 
 prevent me pursuing it farther. I would 
 rent the house, fixtures, and trees, on mod- 
 erate terms. 
 
 P. S. I found but little difficulty in rais- 
 ing good silk- the first season, without any 
 previous experience ; and it may be raised 
 to good profit, if manufacturers will continue 
 to give four dollars per bushel for good 
 cocoons ; and it is well suited for families- 
 consisting of some women and children. 1 
 apprehend much wealth will ultimately come 
 out of raising silk. 
 
 GARDNER FURNESS, P. M., Green F. O.+ 
 Lancaster Co., Pa. In 1839, planted 200 
 mulberry-trees; in 1840, fed 700 worms for 
 eggs; in 1841, made 5 Ibs. reeled silk; 1842, 
 hatched a large lot, but they were not so well 
 attended, and did not do as well ; in 1843, 
 hatched 200,000, did well until ready to spin, 
 had then two or three days of excessive heat, 
 and they all sickened and died ; made only 
 5 Ibs. reeled silk. 
 
 I use the spare rooms in my dwelling- 
 house. [200,000 silk-worms jammed into 
 the spare rooms of a common dwelling ! No- 
 wonder they all " sickened and died." The 
 wonder is that any lived a fortnight, 
 I. R. B.] 
 
 I have tried the two-crop worm, but prefer 
 the other kinds. 
 
 Prefer early feeding; it is the dictate of 
 nature. [We trust our friend will hereafter 
 follow nature in the matter of ventilation al- 
 so. L R. B.] I have had my silk manu- 
 factured, and have a full suit for my own 
 wear. 
 
 N. D. SMITH, Washington, Ark. Having 
 
LETTERS. 
 
 this day received, through some unknown 
 friend, your Silk Circular, I hasten to de- 
 spatch a brief answer to your queries. 
 
 In 1832, '33, and '34, small lots of worms 
 were fed by us on leaves of the native mul- 
 berry, by way of experiment and amuse- 
 ment good cocoons, and no disease. Jn 
 1840, 4000 worms, pea-nut and sulphur 
 good cocoons, and no disease. In 1841, 
 200,000 worms fed partly on multicaulis, 
 white Italian, and native three fourths de- 
 stroyed by disease, and but 20 bushels of 
 cocoons. In 1842, 50,000 fed on multicaulis 
 three fourths lost by disease 8 bushels 
 of cocoons. In 1843, 50,000 worms no 
 disease 15 bushels remarkably fine co- 
 coons. 
 
 I prefer the pea-nut, as being more hardy, 
 and maturing in a shorter time, and it reels 
 more easily. 
 
 We have the small-leaved white Ital- 
 ian, multicaulis, and native mulberry. We 
 should prefer the Italian, but for the greater 
 labor in gathering leaves. The mulberry 
 ground is ploughed and harrowed in the 
 spring, and the. trees should be close trimmed 
 before they sprout. 
 
 Worms kept back from hatching until 
 mild weather becomes settled, and the leaves 
 fully grown, are attended with much less 
 labor, and make better cocoons. The best 
 we ever made were spun up when the ther- 
 mometer ranged between 70 and 90. 
 
 1 consider the diseases of silk- worms 
 strictly miasmatic, produced by vicissitudes 
 in the weather operating upon the moist 
 effluvia from the worms and the litter. The 
 remedy is the free circulation of air, and the 
 free use of lime. Lime operates by absorb- 
 ing the moisture, and neutralizing, by chem- 
 ical affinity, the matter from which the nox- 
 ious exhalations arise thus purifying the 
 atmosphere. 
 
 What silk we make is entirely done by 
 my wife and daughters, and the younger 
 children, without hindering my sons who 
 are able to plough. We use the Piedmoii- 
 tese reel, and the twisting is done on the 
 old-fashioned flax-wheel. The raw silk, en- 
 closed, is a specimen of ten pounds reeled 
 this season, and the cloth was woven on 
 the common loom, and dyed with red oak 
 bark* my daughters are clothed in it. 
 They have another piece of 40 yards in the 
 loom, of a finer thread, intended for pocket- 
 handkerchiefs. 
 
 Were we to judge from our own experi- 
 ence of the culture and manufacture of 
 silk, we should think it entirely feasible ; 
 and that, even in a domestic way, as a 
 branch of family industry, industrious fe- 
 males, accustomed to manufacturing home- 
 made clothing, can work with silk as easily 
 and profitably as with wool, cotton, or flax. 
 The raw silk can also be produced with as 
 much ease and profit as wool, cotton, or 
 flax. 
 
 I should like to receive your Report, 
 
 * A fine specimen of household industry. 1. R. B. 
 
 whether this be contained in it or not ; and 
 be assured, that if I live, the silk culture 
 will not be abandoned by my family, unless 
 we meet with greater discouragements than 
 we have hitherto met. 
 
 CHARLES L. WAKDSWORTH, Hiram, Me. 
 
 Some of my family have fed a very few 
 worms for three or four years use the 
 white mulberry have a few multicaulis, 
 and mean to increase them. This year have 
 fed 60 Ibs. good cocoons, large pea-nut va- 
 riety eggs obtained of Mr. Morris, Bur- 
 lington, N. J. hatched June 20th began 
 to spin in thirty-two days a very few died 
 after they began to spin, but in general 
 they were very healthy. 
 
 I use an out-building 20 by 15 feet, cov- 
 ered originally with green boards, and the 
 cracks would now average one inch in width 
 
 a loose ground floor, and none above. 
 One large door at one end, and a window at 
 the other use no artificial heat and no 
 lime feed on branches altogether. The 
 door and window were kept closed in high 
 winds, and cold spells ; at other times fully 
 open. 
 
 During our feeding, the thermometer va- 
 ried very much. One day it ran from 55 
 to 85. One day from 60 to 92. One day 
 from 50 to 80, and one from 50 to 88. 
 One thing I wish to mention particularly. 
 After they began to spin, 1 found the ther- 
 mometer one morning down to 44, and the 
 next morning down to 46. The worms, 
 of course, were torpid, dormant, and stiff': 
 I thought it was a gone case with them, but 
 they revived with returning warmth, and 
 went on with their wonderful labors, to all 
 appearance not essentially injured by their 
 temporary interruption, and brought out the 
 results as above stated. The expense of 
 cutting the bushes, and feeding this lot of 
 60 Ibs. cocoons, I am sure did not exceed 10 
 cents a lb., though I hired cheap. 
 
 There are a few others in this region that 
 have made similar experiments with myself 
 in growing silk, and with similar results. 
 Among the number is Mr. George Fitch, 
 South Bridgeton ; Mr. James Walker. Frye- 
 burg; Mr. James McArthur, Livingston; 
 Mr. Dillingham, Hebron. 
 
 From this you will see, that we can grow 
 silk, even in Maine. I fully believe that 
 this precious and invaluable product may 
 be cultivated any where and every where, in 
 our extended country and continent, wher- 
 ever our favorite crop, Indian corn, can be 
 grown. 
 
 DAVID J. OGDEN, Rosendale, JV*. Y. I 
 feel deeply interested in the silk business, 
 but since I have attempted it, I have met 
 with many discouragements. At the sug- 
 gestion of Mr. Silas Smith, of Springfield, I 
 entered on the business in the spring of 
 1842. I purchased trees sufficient to plant, 
 five acres, but a cold, dry spell of weather 
 followed immediately after planting, which 
 killed three acres entirely, and about half 
 
LETTERS. 
 
 of the remaining two acres. From a late 
 frost, I fell short of leaves, and had eight or 
 nine bushels of imperfect cocoons. This year 
 I commenced feeding about 20,000, which 
 appeared to do very well until about winding 
 time, when all died, with the exception of 
 enough to make about three pecks of co- 
 coons. 
 
 My information was very limited prior to 
 my engaging in the business. I subscribed 
 to the Silk Record, and had Mr. Roberts's 
 work on the Culture of Silk, as my guide. 
 I have observed the habits of the worm very 
 closely, and I can safely say / have seen all 
 the diseases that it is subject to, and 1 believe 
 the nearer we can get them to a state of 
 nature the greater the success. I feel confi- 
 dent that no plan that I have yet seen can 
 compare with Mr. Gill's, although I have 
 not tried it. When I commenced feeding 
 my last crop, I put some on the trees, and 
 they grew four times as fast as those fed in 
 the house ; and I believe, from that experi- 
 ment, that many diseases originate in the 
 early stages of me worm, that do not show 
 their fatal consequences until the last age. 
 If, therefore, some plan can be pursued that 
 will give them the same amount of free air 
 that Mr. G.'s plan gives them after the sec- 
 ond moulting, I think our success will be 
 certain. You will please send me one of the 
 Reports of the Convention, and whatever the 
 cost may be I will get it to you. 
 
 My ill success has prevented others in this 
 vicinity from entering into the business. 
 
 P. S. I am requested to mention, by Levi 
 McKeon, that he has fed from 2 to 3000 
 worms for the last five years, on a flat sur- 
 face, and has not lost over two per cent, a 
 year, and he thinks the business is prac- 
 ticable. 
 
 LINCOLN JACOB, Hingham, Mass. About 
 the middle of June I hatched two or three 
 thousand worms. They spun well. About 
 the first of July I hatched a large lot they 
 did well until they began to spin ; at this time 
 the weather was very hot and dry, the worms 
 began to be very feeble and die in one 
 week they nearly all died. I then hatched 
 six or eight thousand they spun well 
 about the middle of September used artificial 
 heat one week at the close. 
 
 I arn more convinced than ever that water 
 does not hurt the worms. I believe if I had 
 sprinkled my leaves with water this season, 
 when the weather was so very dry and hot, 
 I should have saved my worms. 
 
 ENOCH BACON*, Southbridge, Mass. In 
 the fall of 1841, a brother of mine at the West 
 recommended the silk-growing business to 
 be suitable employment for invalids and aged 
 people. Being broken down by infirmities 
 of age, I listened to the recommendation. I 
 therefore procured 2000 trees multicaulis 
 and Canton which I laid down in the 
 spring of 1842, and from them, with the help 
 of some white mulberry-trees in the neigh- 
 borhood, I raised 51 pounds 8 ounces co- 
 3 
 
 coons saved a part for seed, and reeled 4 
 pounds 2 ounces first-rate silk. 
 
 In May, 1643, I set out something more 
 than 5000 roots on 60 rods of land, and laid 
 down some cuttings. So I have now 7 or 
 8000 trees, and have raised this year 3 pounds 
 11 ounces of reeled silk. I had 48 pounds 
 4 ounces of cocoons. I saved 3 pounds 12 
 ounces for seed, and reeled 44 pounds 8 
 ounces. I was disappointed about having 
 eggs to hatch late. I had foliage enough to 
 feed many more. I find there is much to be 
 learnt in growing silk. I have had three sorts 
 of worms sulphur, mammoth white, and 
 pea-nut; the two former kinds were very 
 healthy, fed well, wound and yielded well. 
 The pea-nut, I think, according to the expe- 
 rience I have had, are more unhealthy than 
 the others. Used no lime, except for white- 
 washing, and on the floor. 
 
 I think the silk culture is much on the 
 gain, and will be a business of importance to 
 the United States. I advise every man en- 
 gaged in it to hold out with good courage. 
 Difficulties always attend a new business. 
 We shall soon surmount them all have 
 already done this in regard to many. I am 
 confident, that there will be more done hi 
 our town the coming season than ever. 
 
 H. P. BYRAM, Brandenburg, Ky. With 
 pleasure I respond to the questions contained 
 in the " Silk Circular " of the American In- 
 stitute. 
 
 1. I have fed silk- worms to a greater or 
 less extent in the State of Kentucky, every 
 season except one, since the year 1837 in- 
 clusive, and generally with good success ; 
 loss by disease in no crop to exceed 15 per 
 cent., and often not over 3 per cent. 
 
 2. I have fed in enclosed buildings, venti- 
 lated by doors, windows, and openings under 
 the latter, &c., and heated by a stove when 
 necessary. 
 
 3. The present season I fed in an open 
 shed, with decidedly good success, worms 
 healthy, and wound large, fair cocoons. 
 
 4. 1 have fed every variety of worms that 
 1 could procure, and give the preference to 
 those called the Chinese Imperial, and a va- 
 riety represented to me as pea-nut, superior 
 to all other varieties of that name that I have 
 seen, still resembling some of them in color, 
 &c., which is (the worms) white and the 
 cocoons white and nankin, but large, firm 
 and heavy, and reels freely. 
 
 5. I feed from the multicaulis in the first 
 ages, and in the last stage use all the morus 
 alba (large leaf) and Canton that I can pro- 
 cure the latter kinds yielding the most 
 silk, but the multicaulis producing a finer 
 fibre, and which reels more freely, and in 
 feeding in this way secures both advantages 
 in some degree. 
 
 The multicaulis should be cut off near the 
 ground every three years, one third of the 
 field each year. The other varieties 1 head 
 down every year. I feed branches in the last 
 stages. 
 
 6. I have hatched and fed worms in every 
 
LETTERS. 
 
 month from April to August, the earliest 
 fed always producing the heaviest cocoons. 
 The latter equally healthy, when the eggs 
 have been properly kept and managed. But 
 few persons have succeeded in late feeding, 
 from the want of proper care of the eggs. 
 
 7. The causes of bad success that have 
 come to my knowledge have been owing 
 either to bad eggs, or badly kept, or the 
 want of free circulation of air in the apart- 
 ment.* 
 
 8 and 9. 
 
 10. The hatching of eggs can be per- 
 fectly retarded by being placed in a tin box, 
 enclosed in a wood one, and suspended in the 
 body of the ice, near the bottom of the ice- 
 house. This is done by placing a long box, 
 cut in three lengths and stood on end, and 
 placed in soon after the filling of the ice is 
 commenced. The top joints can be removed 
 as the ice settles. The eggs at no time to be 
 above the body of the ice. They sho.uld be 
 placed in the ice in February or early in 
 March. 
 
 So far as my observation extends, (and I 
 have examined the subject with much care,) 
 I am led to the conclusion that early feeding 
 in open sheds that can be dosed on either side 
 at pleasure, will be the most successful meth- 
 od for general adoption. Yet, from experi- 
 ence, I believe that feeding can be carried on 
 successfully from May to October, on an ex- 
 tensive scale, upon an artificial plan, when 
 art is applied in aid of nature ; that is, to aid 
 ventilation by fire, in warm, sultry weather, 
 and in cold weather, to furnish a constant 
 
 ipply of fresh, warm air.t 
 P. S. Doct. 
 
 Charles Stuart of this State, 
 by mere accident, three years since, was in- 
 duced to try the plan of open or shed feed- 
 ing, and has continued it for the last two 
 seasons with every desired success. 
 
 MARTIN PHELPS, Preble, Cortland Co., 
 JV. Y. Have fed worms two seasons 
 business entirely new every thing to learn 
 by experience. The first season hatched 12 
 to 15,000 worms much trouble about leaves, 
 but after all carried them through in thirty- 
 eight days had good cocoons, and 4 pounds 
 good raw silk, which my daughter has made 
 into sewings. 
 
 This season, had some trouble about eggs, 
 but finally got and hatched three fourths of 
 an ounce. They were very healthy, and 
 brought out good results again how much 
 silk I shall have cannot yet say. 
 
 We have this year the pea-nut variety. 
 The cocoons are very large and' handsome, 
 more so than they were last year, when we 
 fed two months earlier. We fed in a low 
 one-story building, 24 feet long by 14 wide, 
 enclosed tight, but no ceiling, with 4 win- 
 dows and 2 doors we use a box-stove. 
 
 * See the details of my experiment showing the 
 necessity of thorough ventilation, as published in 
 .t,he Burlington Silk Record, in 1841. Also, in the 
 First Annual Report of the N. E. S. Convention, 1842. 
 
 t See statements respecting Mr. Sanders, in Ap- 
 pendix. 
 
 We use the multicaulis have one eighth 
 of an acre that was planted a year ago last 
 spring, in rows about two and a half feet 
 apart hoed them well three times; they 
 grew finely and yielded well. We cut them 
 in the fall, and left the roots in the ground 
 over winter. Almost all lived and came 
 forward at least ten days earlier than those 
 
 Slanted out this spring, and yielded nearly 
 ouble the leaves through the season. The 
 tops that I cut off, I put in boxes, and filled 
 them with dry sand, and kept them in the 
 cellar. They came out this spring fresh and 
 good. I planted them in furrows about three 
 teet apart I took a good deal of pains in 
 covering them, and should think almost every 
 bud grew. Some I took up roots and tops 
 together, and buried in a dry place. They 
 kept well. I set them out standing. They 
 have done well, but do not think it is the 
 best way. I shall leave all my roots in the 
 ground this winter. I have now about half 
 an acre, and if they grow as thrifty as they 
 have this season, I can feed 50,000 or more. 
 
 THOMAS MELLEN, Madison, Madison Co., 
 JV. F. It would give me much pleasure to 
 attend the Fair and Silk Convention, but the 
 state of my health forbids. I attended the 
 late Fair of the State Agricultural Society, 
 at Rochester, as one of the Committee of 
 Judges on silk and silk fabrics ; the weather 
 being warm and favorable. The exhibition 
 of cocoons, raw silk, sewing-silk, and twist, 
 and various silk fabrics, was, upon the whole,' 
 large and encouraging, and the exhibiters 
 quite numerous, and the most of them quite 
 satisfied with their experiments, and en- 
 couraged to progress in the culture of silk. 
 The greatest defect I noticed was a want of 
 skill in reeling. But to proceed to answer 
 the interrogatories contained in your Circu- 
 lar. And first. I have fed silk-worms six 
 successive years besides the present. In 1837,' 
 a cold year, I fed a small crop ; they were 
 a longer time in maturing than usual, but 
 healthy, and made good cocoons. In 1838, I 
 fed two small crops ; the summer was hot 
 and dry, or mostly so ; the worms were 
 healthy, matured and wound in six weeks. 
 The results good. In 1839, a very cool sea- 
 son, I fed two crops, and different kinds of 
 worms. They were generally eight weeks 
 before they spun, but very healthy, and spun 
 good cocoons. 1840 I fed three crops, 
 of different hatchings ; the season was warm 
 and the worms did well, generally, but one 
 brood, that was in its last age about the 
 middle of August, when we had a week of 
 excessive hot weather the thermometer 
 ranging from 85 to 96 degrees, with hot 
 nights ; and on the second day of this hot 
 weather, for the first time, I observed the 
 appearance of the yellows. Believing it to 
 arise from too excessive a degree of heat, I 
 ventilated the room, so as to give them the 
 whole atmosphere, night and day, removed 
 the diseased and dead worms, kept them 
 clean, and arrested the- disease, until the 
 weather became cooler, and lost but a small 
 
LETTERS. 
 
 part of the brood. They produced excellent 
 cocoons. I was the more confident that the 
 constitution of the silk-worm, in or near its 
 last age, could not long endure a heat of 85 to 
 90 degrees, from the fact that I had on forms 
 in the same room, at the time, a brood of some 
 30,000 between the 2d and 3d moulting, 
 and they passed the 3d moulting during this 
 same hot weather with perfect safety, al- 
 though not more than ten feet from the 
 hurdles on which were the diseased worms. 
 JVot one of this crop was affected with the 
 yellows, or other disease. And I will here 
 observe, that I have never seen or known 
 this disease to attack the silk-worm except 
 in or near its last age ; and not then, except 
 there is a continued heat, of several succes- 
 sive days, of 80 degrees and over. I will also 
 here observe, that at the time above men- 
 tioned, 1 had a neighbor that had a crop that 
 had done finely until this hot weather com- 
 menced ; some had begun to spin, but he 
 could not increase the ventilation of his room, 
 and he literally lost his whole crop, and this 
 was the case of all, as far as I could learn, 
 who had silk-worms in their last age at that 
 time; which discouraged many new begin- 
 ners In 1841, '2, and '3, 1 have fed with gen- 
 eral good results ; and whenever any thing 
 has taken place unfavorable, I could trace it 
 to a satisfactory cause. 
 
 1 have never fed in an open shed or tent, 
 nor has any one in this region, but I have no 
 doubt that it is a safe method where there 
 is a mild and equable climate ; but in this 
 region I doubt its practicability, being situ- 
 ate ih nearly 43 degrees north latitude, and 
 between eleven and twelve hundred feet 
 above the level of tide- water at Albany. We 
 have in every year, during the time of feed- 
 ing, some very cool weather, both days and 
 nights, when it would be necessary to regu- 
 late the temperature of the cocoonery by the 
 heat of a stove. 
 
 I have a preference for the pea-nut vari- 
 eties of the silk- worm, and particularly of the 
 Singapore Nankin-colored kind ; and a good 
 opinion of the mammoth sulphur, and white. 
 
 The trees I use are the multicaulis, or I 
 began with them, but in this location they 
 cannot be relied upon. The tops kill in 
 winter, and sprout too late in the spring for 
 early feeding, and the leaves are too succu- 
 lent for safe and successful feeding in this 
 location. I only use them to feed young 
 worms on for a few weeks, and then change 
 their feed to some other hard -wooded kind, 
 viz. : the morus alba of the Florence variety, 
 which is harder than the common Italian; 
 and on the Canton, the Broosa, and on my 
 new kind, that I obtained as the Oregon 
 mulberry. My trees are mostly planted in 
 hedge-rows, and cultivated with plough and 
 hoe, or should be. I have satisfactorily 
 tested, and found a difference between, the 
 multicaulis and the alba, the Canton, Broosa, 
 and my new plant, and find all of the latter 
 far superior, in this region, to the multicaulis, 
 as regards the health of the worm, and the 
 
 fineness of the cocoon, and the quantity and 
 quality of the silk. 
 
 Among my acquaintance where bad suc- 
 cess has attended their feeding, my opinion 
 is, that they were not sufficiently ventilated, 
 nor kept sufficiently clean, and by feeding 
 too succulent leaves during the last ages of 
 the worm. 
 
 I have generally found early feeding the 
 best and safest, though I have had good suc- 
 cess with some broods fed late. 
 
 My new plant has as yet withstood the 
 severity of our winters, (except the unma- 
 tured parts.) but I have suffered much by 
 haying them broken down by heavy snows, 
 and snow-drifts, and particularly so the last 
 winter, when snow accumulated to an un- 
 precedented depth, and lay until nearly the 
 middle of April, thawing and becoming satu- 
 rated with water, and then freezing at night 
 to the branches and main stock, while thaw- 
 ing continued at the bottom, which caused 
 the mass of snow to settle, and this broke the 
 branches and main stem badly. I had some 
 <iOO of my new kin,d, which were set for 
 standard trees, from two to four years' growth, 
 from layers which had withstood the pre- 
 vious winters, which were entirely broken 
 down in this way, but I had suffered them to 
 branch out within three and four feet from 
 the ground with heavy tops, which exposed 
 them to the heavy snow-drifts. Those that 
 stood out of the drifts were not broken, and 
 were not killed by the winter. I can raise 
 them into standard trees here, by trimming 
 them so that their branches shall be above 
 the accumulation of the snow. Their leaves 
 are large and heavy, and the worms feed on 
 them with as much avidity as on any other 
 kind known to me, and grow as well, and 
 have, in all cases, been more healthy than 
 worms fed on any other kind that I have, 
 and produce firm, heavy cocoons, and the 
 quality of the silk has in all cases been far 
 superior in lustre to any I can produce from 
 any other kind of mulberry. In proof of 
 which, I refer to the enclosed sample, which 
 was produced by feeding silk-worms on the 
 leaves of the tree above referred to, and such 
 as I have produced from it every year that I 
 have used it, which is five.* To whatever 
 class of mulberry this belongs, it possesses 
 rare qualities for the production of silk of a 
 superior quality. 
 
 MRS. HARRIET H. A. DINSMORE, Ripley, 
 Ohio. In compliance with your request 
 that all silk-growers, however small their 
 operations, should reply to your Silk Circu- 
 lar, I would inform you that I have fed silk- 
 worms three summers, with very different 
 success each summer. The first year I fed 
 two lots of worms, the first of which (fed 
 upon a mixture of multicaulis and white 
 mulberry) wound up in four weeks, produ- 
 cing very large firm, cocoons. The next lot 
 
 * We are sorry to say that this sample was not 
 received, or has been mislaid. J. R. B. 
 
LETTERS. 
 
 appeared to do well until the fourth moult- 
 ing, after which many of them became dis- 
 eased and died. The residue spun thin 
 cocoons. The failure attributed, at the time, 
 to bad eggs. 
 
 The next summer's feeding was almost an 
 entire failure. The produce from 40,000 or 
 50,000 worms, fed at different times, was less 
 than -one bushel of cocoons, and those of an 
 indifferent quality. Attributed principally to 
 the unfavorableness of the season. While 
 feeding the largest lot of worms, I was 
 necessarily absent from home a few days, 
 during which they first showed symptoms 
 of disease. On my return, I immediately 
 removed them to clean shelves gave them 
 more room, and sifted lime over them every 
 morning, until they were quite white. They 
 fed well and appeared healthy until time of 
 winding, and, I have no doubt, would have 
 spun well, had the weather been dry as well 
 as warm. It was rainy and very worm. 
 Great numbers of my worms became yellow, 
 the skin would break upon the slightest 
 touch, and a yellow liquid flow out. Others 
 exhibited a flabby appearance, and soon died. 
 The cocoonery was very offensive, and I 
 should have been entirely discouraged and 
 abandoned the business altogether, had not 
 my neighbors been equally unsuccessful. 
 I consider unslacked lime a powerful disin- 
 fecter of disease among silk-worms, and 
 very, 1 would say, absolutely necessary, to 
 be used in warm, wet weather. 
 
 The past season has been very favorable 
 for feeding, and, so far as I know, the labor 
 of those engaged in it has been crowned 
 with success. My late crops of worms were 
 not as healthy, and did not produce as many 
 cocoons by one third, as those fed early in 
 the season. I am of opinion, that, in all 
 cases, where the hatching of the egg is re- 
 tarded much beyond the natural time, (the 
 expanding of the mulberry foliage,) it affects 
 the health of the worm. 
 
 The building used as a cocoonery was for- 
 merly a dairy-house, twenty-four by eighteen 
 feet, lathed and plastered, with four win- 
 dows, and a door opening to the north. 
 Have fed the sulphur and salmon-colored 
 pea-nut worms prefer the last variety. 
 Have about a quarter of an acre of multi- 
 caulis of three years' growth. The first 
 autumn, a part of the trees were taken up 
 and buried in the ground, and a part left 
 standing. Since which, they have all been 
 left during the winter. And the trees which 
 were not taken up the first winter, are now 
 larger, and produce more foliage, than those 
 which were. 
 
 The corn cultivator and hoe arc used in 
 cultivating them. I am inclined to think 
 the cause of failure in many, perhaps most 
 cases where the multicaulis is used for 
 feeding, arises from using leaves that have 
 not sufficient growth or thickness, and are 
 not ripe. The young and under leaves have 
 not sufficient nutriment, or, in other words, 
 not sufficient material to produce silk. The 
 worm fed on such leaves passes through its 
 
 various and wondrous changes, lives the 
 time prescribed by nature for its existence, 
 then, either stretches itself out and dies, or 
 winds a thin, indifferent cocoon, because it has 
 not silk enough to icind a better. This, also, 
 is the opinion of many others with whom I 
 have conversed on the subject. 
 
 I was induced to commence feeding silk- 
 worms, as an employment better suited to 
 my strength, than taking care of a dairy. It 
 also afforded a prospect of future useful and 
 profitable employment for a family of small 
 children. 
 
 Should the information I have communi- 
 cated, assist in any degree the important ob- 
 ject you have in view, I shall feel very much 
 gratified in having written it. 
 
 WM. DOOHTTLE, Perryville, Madison Co., 
 JV. F. I have fed worms for three years. 
 The first year fed some for a neighbor, on 
 what we call the lowlands, where the fog 
 from Oneida Lake continues in the morning 
 till seven or eight o'clock. Raised about 
 two bushels of cocoons ought to have had 
 many more attribute the failure to the 
 eggs commencing hatching in the cellar, and 
 to cold, damp mornings, occasioned by the 
 fog, &c. From these cocoons, I saved some 
 of the best for seed, and succeeded, the sec- 
 ond year, in raising seventy-five pounds of 
 very good cocoons of the Nankin pea-nut 
 variety. Saved for seed, such as perfect 
 cocoons, but not the hardest and best, (having 
 been informed that they were equally good,) 
 and the result has been this year an inferior 
 quality of cocoons. My first lot this 'year 
 was small ; the second were killed, mostly, 
 by changing the feed from multicaulis to 
 black mulberry. Our multicaulis was much 
 injured by a storm of hail, (literally torn in 
 pieces,) and I was compelled to use the 
 black mulberry leaves, and they were so 
 coarse and tough, that most of the worms 
 died, and I raised only seventy-five pounds 
 of cocoons this year. I have fed principally 
 on multicaulis, but, for experiment, have fed 
 two or three thousand each, after the fourth 
 moulting, on branches of the multicaulis and 
 white mulberry, and could see no particular 
 difference in the quantity or quality of the 
 cocoons. I have fed a few of the sulphur 
 variety of worms, but mostly pea-nut, and 
 prefer, as far as my experience goes, the 
 Nankin pea-nut. Think the business will 
 yield a fair compensation for labor. 
 
 P. S. I have a cocoonery with a stove, 
 and regulate the temperature, according to 
 judgment, by fire, ventilation, &c. 
 
 CLARK AVERY, Perryville, Madison Co., 
 JV. Y. I shall make my report by replying 
 to your questions in order, and as they are in 
 the Silk, Circular. 
 
 1. I have fed worms four years. The first 
 year fed a few only. The second year raised 
 ninety-eight pounds of cocoons good suc- 
 cess. Third year, raised fifty-six pounds of 
 cocoons did poorly ; my eggs were not 
 properly taken care of; commenced hatching 
 
LETTERS. 
 
 prematurely, in March, and hence my crop j 
 of worms was small, and of an inferior qual- 
 ity. 
 
 2. I feed in a cocoonery, and regulate the 
 temperature by a stove and ventilation, ac- j 
 cording to the dictates of judgment. 
 
 3. I have not fed in an open shed or tent, j 
 
 4. I have generally fed the sulphur, but, j 
 from a little experience this year, I prefer j 
 the pea-nut. 
 
 5. Mult caulis chiefly. I cut them off j 
 some five or six inches from the ground, in 
 the fall annually, and plough and hoe them 
 as farmers usually do corn. 
 
 6. Early feeding, according to my experi- 
 ence, is much better than late. 
 
 7. As to " bad success in feeding," I can 
 say nothing but what is found in the accom- 
 panying reports. 
 
 ~. I have not tested the use of mulberry 
 for paper, and cannot this year. 
 
 9. Have not tried any "process of rotting 
 in order to separate the bark of the young 
 mulberry from the woody fibre, so as to 
 convert it into paper or silk fabric, and can- 
 not do so this season. 
 
 Most certainly there are difficulties to be 
 met in the cultivation of silk, but care and 
 experience will enable us to overcome them, 
 and silk will, by and by, become one of the 
 staple productions of our country, and the 
 culture and manufacture of it amply repay 
 the industrious for their investments and 
 labor. 
 
 DAVID IRISH, PerryriUe, Madison Co., A". F. 
 
 1. Have fed worms three years with uni- 
 form good success. First year a few sec- 
 ond year fifty pounds this year one hun- 
 dred and thirty pounds of cocoons. 
 
 2 and 3. I use a wagon-house, and also 
 an open shed, and the worms do equally well 
 in both. Use no artificial heat temperature 
 is not regulated at all. 
 
 4. Have raised the pea-nut worm, and two 
 kinds of sulphur, one much better than the 
 other. 1 prefer the best kind of sulphur: 
 (the mammoth sulphur, I suppose they are ;) 
 they are a more healthy worm than the pea- 
 nut, and make a good and large cocoon. 
 
 5. 1 use multicaulis trees hoe them in 
 the early part of summer, or spring, as 
 
 corn, and cat them down i 
 
 farmers do 
 
 the ground in the fall, and plough a furrow 
 on each side of the rows, turning the earth 
 upon the plants to preserve the roofs of the 
 trees alive through the winter. 
 
 6. I have, and find early feeding much the 
 most certain and profitable in its results. 
 
 Some have injured their worms by 
 feeding tender and succulent leaves after the 
 fourth moulting, and some by changing from 
 the finer varieties of mulberry to the coarser 
 and more juicy, after the fourth moulting. 
 One man destroyed a crop of worms by 
 curing cocoons with camphor in the co- 
 coonery, and I have heard of one who 
 poisoned a crop to death by "~*^"g tobacco 
 in the cocoonery. 
 
 6. 1 hare not. 
 
 3* 
 
 9. I have not. 
 
 [The three last-named gentlemen unite in 
 presenting the following very just and sensi- 
 ble remarks. I. R. B.j 
 
 We beg leave to subjoin a few general re- 
 marks applicable to the several foregoing 
 reports, and expressive of our united expe- 
 rience and practice. We have heretofore 
 made the raw material into sewing-silk of a 
 very superior quality. We find no difficulty 
 in competing with the Italian in our home 
 market. Mr. Irish presented some at the 
 State Fair, last month, and took the second 
 premium on manufactured silk, or, in other 
 words, the highest prize on u Sewings," in 
 the State. As to management of worms, 
 &C-, eggs should be saved from the best 
 cocoons of the first crop ; they may be kept 
 in any cool, dry cellar, or in a chamber with- 
 out fire till spring, and then should be buried 
 till wanted. A cocoonery should always be 
 kept perfectly sweet, and well ventilated. 
 None but mature leaves should be given to 
 worms after the fourth moulting ; and, if the 
 leaves are changed, it should always be done 
 gradually, and from the coarser to the finer 
 varieties of mulberry. All dead worms 
 should be removed at once the cocoonery 
 should be kept as quiet as possible care 
 and experience are requisite in order to gen- 
 erally succeed in the business. We do not 
 think the culture and manufacture of silk 
 will be a giant speculation, pouring wealth 
 in mighty floods upon the careless and indo- 
 lent, but we do think silk is destined to be- 
 come a great staple, and the business will 
 be as profitable as other departments of in- 
 dustry. 
 
 ' Whenever we have railed, we think we 
 can trace it to some mismanagement on our 
 part, and believe experience will enable us 
 to prosecute the business successfully and 
 profitably. 
 
 MOSES A!TD ASEHATH GoCGE, Xortk*mf- 
 
 to*, Mass. We present the following state- 
 ment, as the result of our experience in the 
 silk culture : 
 
 We have assisted feeding worms four or 
 five years, but not till the present year hare 
 we taken the tekoU charge and responsibility 
 
 This year we took the whole 
 one of Dr. Stebbins's feeding 
 ments, in this town; for which he paid us 
 a stipulated and satisfactory price by the 
 pound (eighteen cents) for all the cocoons 
 we should raise for him. We and two boys 
 were in the business, and were well paid, 
 *nA should be willing to engage to him again 
 on the same terms, as it has given us a better 
 return than we could have realized from any 
 other employment. Had the late crops suc- 
 ceeded as well as the first, we should hare 
 made money^fast enough. 
 
 We fed the worms on tables of boards and 
 on hurdles in two long rooms well lighted 
 by windows on each side ; but, at the sug- 
 gestion of Dr. Stebbins, the glass windows 
 * afreeorcalatwaofair, 
 
LETTERS. 
 
 day and night, admitted to every part of the 
 rooms, from the sides and doors at the ends. 
 
 Our worms were fed whenever they would 
 eat, from early morning to the close of the 
 day, in consequence of which we had a lot 
 of large and heavy cocoons, the admiration 
 of all who saw them, and visitors were not a 
 few, purposely to see the sight. 
 
 Bad success in feeding may result from 
 bad eggs, often made such by bad manage- 
 ment, in or out of the ice-house, but more 
 frequently from careless, inattentive feeding, 
 and want of air. 
 
 Having so good luck with our first crop, 
 and wishing to make as much as possible by 
 the undertaking, we were supplied with eggs 
 kept back from hatching, and the whole of 
 ten or twelve ounces of eggs proved a failure. 
 
 From the experience of the past and the 
 present year, we can recommend the feeding 
 of only one crop, and that an early crop. 
 
 JAMES C. CHURCH, Poughkeepsie, Dutchess 
 Co., JV. . In 1841, 1 fed about 150 worms. 
 With the exception of a few, they all wound 
 up, and produced good cocoons. The follow- 
 ing winter I built a cocoonery, 32 feet by 20 
 feet, two and a half stories high, ventilated 
 by sliding windows ; I have used no artificial 
 heat. 
 
 The next spring I planted one acre of 
 branches of the multicaulis, by laying them 
 in drills eight feet apart. They came up very 
 regularly, and grew finely. 
 
 1 that season raised forty-nine pounds co- 
 coons, producing four pounds ten ounces silk, 
 including the pierced cocoons that were spun 
 into coarse silk. 
 
 I have never fed in open sheds. I prefer 
 the pea-nut kinds. I use chiefly the multi- 
 caulis. I have fed early and late. I have 
 been the most successful in early feeding. 
 
 WM. A. FLIPPIN, Cumberland County, Fa. 
 As you have requested that all silk-grow- 
 ers should inform you of their success on the 
 plan of open feeding, I thought 1 would in- 
 form you of the success I had with a small 
 lot of worms, fed in an open shed, the last 
 spring. I had commenced the experiment 
 before I saw your views on the subject of 
 open feeding, believing it to be the only suc- 
 cessful mode, if they could be protected from 
 birds, insects, &c. My worms were very 
 healthy, although there were several frosts 
 during the time of feeding. I have no doubt 
 they would have made a first-rate crop of silk 
 had they not been destroyed by the wasps. 
 Had they been fixed on Mr. John W. Gill's 
 plan, with cradles and fans, I think that would 
 have been a sufficient protection ; the fans, no 
 doubt, would be first-rate to drive off the 
 wasps. I should have been more particular 
 with the crop, had I seen your proposals 
 sooner. I fed three ounces of eggs in a house 
 that I built for the purpose two years ago. 
 They made about twenty -one bushels of good 
 cocoons. If it is convenient, I would be glad 
 to receive one of your pamphlets, and if open 
 feeding proves to be the most successful, I 
 
 shall adopt that plan the next year, and en- 
 large my operations. 
 
 CYRUS THOMPSON, Highgate Spa, Fran/din 
 Co., Vt. 1 have fed silk- worms in a small 
 way for the last six years, and am satisfied 
 from my own experience that with proper 
 management it may be made a profitable 
 branch of business, even as far north as here. 
 I have about three acres of mulberry-trees, 
 two of white Italian and one of multicaulis. 
 1 never lost many trees by our cold winters, 
 although the multicaulis kills near to the 
 ground. I have always fed two crops of 
 worms in a season, and have always lost some 
 in the Last crop, and always succeeded well 
 with the first. I have come to the conclu- 
 sion that 1 will feed but one crop, and hatch 
 them about the first of July. 
 
 I have a building on purpose to feed in, 
 well ventilated, and no floor to it. This year 
 I hatched one third my eggs about the first 
 of July, and made eighty pounds of cocoons 
 of the first quality, and from the remaining 
 two thirds, with the same treatment, 1 got 
 but sixty-three pounds, and those were not 
 so good. I used no fires in the cocoonery 
 this season, but last season I kept a fire night 
 and day. My worms, however, did not do 
 well, and had it not been for the state boun- 
 ty, I should have lost on the last crops. Each 
 year's last crops hatched first of August. 
 
 1 should be highly pleased could 1 attend 
 the Convention, which I think will be very 
 beneficial to the silk cause, by diffusing use- 
 ful knowledge in the report of the various 
 experiments and results in different parts of 
 our country. Proper information on this 
 subject, distributed and brought within reach 
 of all who are inquiring, must tend to advance 
 the business, and lead to results, not only of 
 individual benefit, but of general good to this 
 country. 
 
 There are a number of my neighbors en- 
 gaged in this business, and their success has 
 been generally about the same as mine. We 
 have always reeled and made our cocoons 
 into sewings, and sold it to the country mer- 
 chants in exchange for goods. We have this 
 year reeled our silk for sale, and think we are 
 making an article that will sell for cash in 
 market. If so, it will be very encouraging 
 to us, as it is very tedious to make sewings 
 by hand. 
 
 In 1840, we made 67 Ibs. cocoons. 
 
 1841, " 51 " 
 
 1842, " 130 " 
 
 1843, " 143 " 
 
 And, from my experience in the business, I 
 am satisfied that it must, when there is prop- 
 er information acquired on the subject, be- 
 come a profitable branch of industry, and 
 tend to general good, by giving suitable em- 
 ployment to thousands of destitute, but mer- 
 itorious inhabitants. 
 
 With these views, I feel deeply interested 
 in the Convention, and have no doubts but 
 your investigations and Report will happily 
 result in advancing the silk cause in this our 
 country. 
 
LETTERS. 
 
 RET. D. BENEDICT, Pawtucket, R. I. I 
 have been unable to pay much attention to 
 this business this year, so wholly engrossed 
 is my tune, my thoughts, and all my powers, 
 with my historical pursuits. 
 
 I have done nothing in feeding this season, 
 only to raise enough for eggs for another 
 year. I gave away all my eggs but a few for 
 this purpose. I am fond of the business, if 1 
 could attend to it. My trees lived well the 
 last winter, and I have left them without any 
 care this summer, and now have leaves in 
 abundance. 
 
 My silk weaver made a failure of it. I 
 kept him on hand a good while, at some sac- 
 rifice. His skill was sufficient as to weaving, 
 but he had not the preparations for getting 
 out his webs, and knew not how to make 
 them. He made some good plus/t out of a 
 short icei he had on hand, and then he was 
 up a tree. 
 
 I have heretofore united with much satis- 
 faction in the experiments in the silk busi- 
 ness, and am fully convinced, so far as the 
 practicability of the thing is concerned, that 
 the growing of silk will in time become an 
 extensive and profitable business in this 
 country. 
 
 Cleanliness, air, and regular and full feed- 
 ing, are the grand secrets. My small crop, 
 this year, was attended to in my scientific 
 way, like fatting pigs. I kept them with a 
 full supply, and none could do better. If I 
 could have my way, however large the crop, 
 I would have the leaves always fresh, and 
 give them often and plenty, and never leave 
 them on thick, mouldy beds. 
 
 I do not know the fact, but I suspect that 
 the finest and most costly silk in France is 
 made from the small two-crop worms. 
 
 J. L. WOODWARD, Milbury, Mass. My 
 operations have been so limited, they are 
 ^ardly worth communicating ; yet they may 
 serve to establish general principles in regard 
 to this enterprise. 
 
 In 1839 I purchased a lot of multicaulis, 
 Canton, and Alpine trees. I planted the two 
 former in cuttings ; one half of them did not 
 come up ; took them up in the fall, and put 
 them in the cellar. Next spring planted 
 them, laying the tree, root and all, in fur- 
 rows, four feet apart, covering light. They 
 came up first-rate, and are now flourishing 
 trees ; have not taken them up for two years 
 past ; they have kept well during the winter 
 seasons. The soil is of a loamy texture. I 
 have fed worms four years; have generally 
 hnd good success ; have fed early and late ; 
 consider early feeding decidedly best ; have 
 fed in an inclosed building, well ventilated. 
 I find a free circulation of air indispensably 
 necessary. Fed the pea-nut and sulphur ; 
 think the sulphur more healthy. I see noth- 
 ing to prevent growing silk in this country, 
 and to profit, if managed judiciously. 
 
 JAMES W. CHAPPELL, Lima, Livingston 
 Co, t JV. Y. I am highly gratified in observ- 
 
 ing the praiseworthy efforts of the American 
 Institute in regard to the growth and manu- 
 facture of silk. Successful experiments have 
 now become so numerous that no doubt ought 
 to exist as to the feasibility of the enterprise. 
 Five years' experience has fully satisfied me 
 that the silk culture is not only practicable, 
 but can be made amply to remunerate the 
 culturist for his labor. During those five 
 years I have produced about forty bushels of 
 cocoons, and the result of each year's opera- 
 tions has been complete success. 
 
 In ]842 I built a cocoonery 20 feet by 60, 
 two stories high. It has twenty-six windows, 
 furnished with blinds, and six doors. The 
 building is plastered throughout, which tends 
 to prevent sudden changes in temperature, 
 and also is more easily kept free from in- 
 sects and mice, the great enemies of the silk- 
 worm. 
 
 In regard to open feeding, I would say that 
 I have always fed icith icindows constantly 
 open both day and night, and the doors during 
 the day ; and am fully convinced that this is 
 the true system for successfully carrying on 
 the business. 
 
 I have never used artificial heat; have 
 used air-slacked lime, and have found the 
 early part of the season better than the last 
 for feeding. Of the different varieties of silk- 
 worm, I consider the large Nankin pea-nut 
 preferable to any other with which I am ac- 
 quainted. 
 
 I use the leaves of the multicaulis exclu- 
 sively for feeding, of which I have about 
 three acres. The trees are cut down within 
 about two inches of the ground in the spring, 
 have received no material injury from the 
 winter, and many of them have grown the 
 past season to the height of seven and a half 
 feet. 
 
 SAMUEL WAGNER, York, Pa. I have, for 
 two or three years, been engaged, in a small 
 way, in testing the practicability of intro- 
 ducing the silk culture in this country. I 
 have a growing interest and an increased 
 confidence in the business. I should esteem 
 it a great favor to receive a copy of the pro- 
 ceedings of the Silk Convention. The small 
 number of persons who engaged in the silk 
 culture, in this State, without any reference 
 to a mulberry-tree speculation are, I believe, 
 very generally persevering in their enter- 
 prise, though the withdrawal of the State 
 bounty operates unfavorably in some cases. 
 
 O. G. CATHCART, WiUiam.sburgh, Mass. 
 Have fed worms six years, and have been 
 so far successful that I have been induced 
 to increase my stock of trees and worms 
 yearly. 
 
 Am satisfied that the cultivation of silk, as 
 a branch of family industry, is profitable, and 
 might be made more profitable to a family of 
 children and youth than most business that 
 they now follow. Children and youth can 
 pick leaves and feed worms ; the mother 
 and daughters can convert the cocoons into 
 
LETTERS. 
 
 raw silk, sewing-silk, hose, gloves, laces, 
 &c. ; pierced cocoons and floss into various 
 articles. 
 
 Four years 1 fed in a tightly finished room 
 that was well aired in good weather, and 
 closed in bad, and the two years past in an 
 out-house, singly hoarded, with a loose floor, 
 and standing high from the ground, exposed 
 to a free circulation of air in all weath- 
 ers ; and the worms have been decidedly 
 more healthy these last seasons than they 
 were before. 
 
 Think the pea-nut variety is to be pre- 
 ferred. 
 
 Have tried a number of kinds of trees ; like 
 the Canton best, and consider large-leaved 
 Alpines good, especially to feed in the last 
 age. 
 
 P. S. Two of my neighbors have lost al- 
 most their whole crop of worms, which, I 
 am convinced, was caused by heat and pent 
 air. 
 
 JAMES MORGAN, Freedom, Carroll County, 
 Md. I have fed a few worms each of the 
 last four years, but have had but indifferent 
 success in consequence of having my feeding 
 house situated too low, it being a saw-mill, 
 36 by 12 feet, surrounded with water, being 
 also in a very large valley. Have never fed 
 in an open shed or tent, but intend doing so 
 next year. Have fed pea-nut and sulphur, 
 but prefer the pea-nut. Have none but mul- 
 ticaulis trees ; about 6000, standing about 5 
 feet by 2 ; intend planting one acre more of 
 new land in the spring. I let them stand as 
 they grow, plough them twice during the 
 summer. Have raised eight bushels of co- 
 coons this season, the first crop much the 
 healthiest, though I lost all my first leaves by 
 the frost on the Jst of June. I am confident 
 that my bad success is in consequence of the 
 situation of my cocoonery, as stated above. 
 Have not tested either the 8th or 9th ques- 
 tions of your first series, and it is now too 
 late to do so in time for your Convention. I 
 shall try the 8th, as I am a paper manufac- 
 turer. 
 
 From what I have done in the business, I 
 am satisfied that it will be a profitable busi- 
 ness, and am making preparations for build- 
 ing a cocoonery on a high and airy situation, 
 for feeding, next summer. 
 
 1 have one acre of new ground, which 1 
 intend to plant with multicaulis roots next 
 ^pring. You request me, in your letter, to 
 send you all the facts I can get relating to 
 feeding. I know of none, in this county, out 
 of the many who entered into the tree spec- 
 ulation, who are feeding worms ; but they 
 are gone off, as . you said in your letter, in 
 smoke. There were many of them in this 
 county, not one of whom is doing any thing 
 in the silk business. I am alone in Carroll 
 county. In Frederick county, Mr. Jenks 
 and Mr. Ramsburgh are feeding in the State 
 barracks. I was there, this spring, at the 
 commencement of the feeding season. I 
 have not seen them since, but have heard 
 
 that they made superior cocoons this season, 
 better than they ever made before. 
 
 JAMES WALKER, Fryeburg Island, Jtfc. 
 Am much pleased with your plan for collect- 
 ing facts in regard to the silk culture. I 
 have had many difficulties to overcome, there 
 being no one near me to give any practical 
 information. I have fed worms eight sea- 
 sons ; have the multicaulis and the white ; 
 made ]2 Ibs. of silk ; last year, 34 Ibs. Af- 
 ter all my difficulties, I am not discouraged. 
 I shall pursue the business, as I believe it 
 can be made as profitable, even here, as any 
 farming business we can pursue. 
 
 I prefer the pea-nut worm, as yielding 
 much the most silk. 
 
 I was much pleased, last summer, to see 
 Mr. Gill's plan of tent and cradle feeding. 
 Let me tell my experience as to ventilation. 
 When I first began feeding, I used a com- 
 mon room in my house. My worms were 
 often diseased, but I supposed it to be a ne- 
 cessary incident of the business. 
 
 At length, as a matter of convenience, I 
 took my worms into an out-building, origi- 
 nally used for curing hops, boarded open, 
 like an old-fashioned barn. There were 
 large cracks, so that the air could pass freely 
 through on all sides. Since then we have 
 had very little loss by disease. My feeding, 
 therefore, must be styled open feeding, for it 
 is not so confined as a tent would be ; and I 
 know I have been successful in what I have 
 attempted to do since I have used the above 
 building. 
 
 As to enlisting others in the business, 
 there is no one, within eight or ten miles of 
 me, doing much. As I have been longer in 
 it than any other, they are coming to me for 
 information. Little can I do for them, ex- 
 cept to tell them wherein I have done wrong. 
 
 [That is the best kind of instruction, 
 friend Walker. 1. R. B.] t 
 
 DR. JAMES MEASE, Philadelphia. I re- 
 joice to see, by the papers, that yftu are to 
 have a Silk Convention in New York ; regret 
 that the state of my health will deprive me 
 of the pleasure 1 should have, could I be one 
 of the number. But, although absent, I 
 shall make a small effort to aid the great 
 cause. 
 
 I urge the exclusive use of the Piedmon- 
 tese reel, as essential to the production of 
 good raw silk, to the profits of the cultivator, 
 and to the excellence of the fabrics made 
 from it. The exclusive use of this reel has 
 been established and provided for by law in 
 Piedmont, for more than a hundred years ; 
 and no attempts to improve it, in Europe, 
 have succeeded. Substitutes, in the United 
 States, have been found inferior, or too ex- 
 pensive. The original one which I import- 
 ed, in 1828, cost $14; but much neater ones 
 are now made for $10. 1 shall be happy to 
 put any gentleman in the way of obtaining 
 one. I also imported a machine to work up 
 the perforated cocoons, and deposited it in 
 
LETTERS. 
 
 33 
 
 the Franklin Institute, Philadelphia, in 1831, | (5.) Multicaulis; let them stand, and culti 
 
 where it can be examined. Directions for 
 using it accompanied the apparatus. 
 
 ELIAS FENEYSLEY, Ellisburg, Jefferson 
 County, JV. Y. Has fed three seasons ; uses 
 the multicaulis and Italian whites ; first 
 crops good; late crops bad. Two seasons 
 fed in a common room and corn-house. 
 This year built a cocoonery 40 by 22 feet ; 
 did not batten the joints ; left the floor 
 loose. Increased his grounds with trees, 
 with a view to a regular and permanent 
 business. 
 
 My experience, says he, is just this. The 
 worm must be wed ventilated, as well as 
 the cocoonery. >%me of my worms, this 
 year, were taken with vomiting. I took a 
 part thus affected, and put them on the trees, 
 and they soon recovered. The rest died im- 
 mediately. 
 
 [Mr. F.'s cocoonery is undoubtedly too 
 close. I.R.B.] 
 
 MICHAEL KLINE, Rcamstown P. 0., Lan- 
 caster Co., Penn. I commenced the silk- 
 culture in the year 1841, on a small scale, 
 without having any knowledge of the busi- 
 ness at all. My experience has brought me 
 to believe that there is nothing wanting but 
 practical knowledge of the business to in- 
 sure full and complete success. To get the 
 Report of the Convention, and so get knowl- 
 edge, is the main object of my writing, for 
 I -rni determined to go on in the business, 
 any way, right or wrong. I wish to go 
 right. 
 
 Jn the year 1841 I raised 30 Ibs. of co- 
 coons; in 1842 I raised 22S Ibs.; and in 1843 
 I raised 350 Ibs., although the frost we had 
 in June last spoiled the leaf of my trees so 
 much that I could not do any thing in the 
 business the greatest part of the best of the 
 season this year. 
 
 I fed two varieties of worms, which are 
 with us called the small pea-nut, and the 
 large pea-nut. It appears to me the large is 
 the healthier worm, but 1 prefer the small 
 pea-nut, because that kind gives from 20 to 
 22 ounces of silk per bushel cocoons, and the 
 large only 16 to 18 ounces per bushel. 
 
 fuse the multicaulis; planted 3.^ acres, in 
 the same manner that corn is planted, two 
 years last spring, and they grow finely. I 
 keep the grass out by working between the 
 rows several times through the summer with 
 a cultivator 
 
 Among my acquaintances engaged in the 
 business, there is much complaint that they 
 can raise the worms and keep them healthy 
 until a few days before spinning ; then they 
 turn yellow and die ; and that they can't find 
 out the cause. [See Appendix. 1. R. B.] 
 
 CALEB PALMER, Le Roy, JV. Y. (1.) I 
 have fed two years; first year 1 bushels 
 second year 2. 
 
 (2.) Use a common room; temperature 
 not regulated. 
 
 (3.) Never fed in a shed or tent. 
 
 vate them. 
 
 (6.) Prefer early feeding. 
 
 RYLAND E.JONES, Le Roy, JV. Y. (l.J 
 [ have fed two years ; first year 3 bushels of 
 good cocoons; second year 1^. 
 
 (2.) Use a room in the attic ; temperature 
 not regulated. 
 
 (3.) Never fed in a shed or tent. 
 
 (4.) The two-crop worm. 
 
 (5.) Multicaulis and white ; let them stand 
 out, and cultivate them. 
 
 (6.) Early feeding, about June. 
 
 NICHOLAS MCCARTY, Indianapolis, Indi- 
 ana. I have fed worms two seasons. Last 
 year, from 1| ounces of Piedmontese eggs, 
 had 8 bushels good cocoons. Same year 
 sent to New Jersey for 10 ounces eggs ; 
 hatched and hatching when they arrived, 
 and lost the most of them. Fr%m the Pied- 
 montese saved 50 ounces ; placed them in 
 ice at the proper time. In the spring, with- 
 out my knowledge, they were removed ; got 
 somehow out of the ice, upon the surface ; 
 and the first I knew they were all hatched 
 in the ice-house. (I must be censured for 
 great carelessness.) Took my. worms, June 
 15, and, to make a short story of a bad case, 
 made only 14 bushels of indifferent co- 
 coons ; not 20 as good as first crop last year. 
 
 (2.) The second floor of two-story houses 
 was used to feed in. The temperature not 
 regulated, but a free circulation of air from 
 the windows. 
 
 [No common dwelling-house has windows 
 enough,. by one half, if the rooms are filled 
 with worms, as is usual. I. R B.] 
 
 (3.) Have not fed in a tent or open shed. 
 A neighbor has fed in that way this year, 
 and is highly pleased with it. 
 
 (4.) My experience is limited; am not ac- 
 quainted with different kinds of worms. 
 
 (5.) Fed on multicaulis, of the second 
 year's growth ; cut leaves for a time, and 
 then fed on branches. Cultivate the trees ; 
 trees not essentially injured in the winter, 
 except where the water stood ; head them 
 down in the spring. 
 
 The production of silk, in this country, is 
 of the utmost importance ; and, from what 
 little I have done and seen, and from what I 
 have read, I entertain no doubt in regard to 
 the feasibility of the matter. We can do it. 
 Let practical information be disseminated ex- 
 tensively, and it will be done. Hence I look 
 with great interest for the Report of the Con- 
 vention. 
 
 REV. JOHN L. RICHMOND, Indianapolis, 
 Indiana. I have fed worms eight years, on 
 a small scale; have fed on wild mulberry 
 most, Italian, and some multicaulis, two 
 years. Have found them to live best on 
 wild, but grow slower. They died most on 
 multicaulis, other circumstances being equal. 
 Have used tight and open rooms, warm and 
 cold rooms, and now prefer open tents or 
 
34 
 
 LETTERS, 
 
 buildings, so as- to let them have a free circu- 
 lation of air. We fed them this year under 
 an open shed, which even leaked so that my 
 worms got wet in two showers, and it did 
 them little or no harm. 
 
 I think worms may be fed until second 
 moulting on multicaulis, after which they 
 feed safer on the Italian, they being less suc- 
 culent. The wild, I am confident, makes the 
 largest cocoons ; but i think a coarser fibre. 
 I concur in the suggestions made by Mr. 
 McCarty, in the above. 
 
 DEWY COLLINS, Le Roy, JV. Y. Jn an- 
 swer to the questions proposed, I would 
 say : 
 
 (1.) I have fed four years with good suc- 
 cess ; first year 1 bushels cocoons ; second 
 year 14 bushels, third year 5, and fourth 1 
 bushel, bad success. 
 
 (2.) Common room in a dwelling-house ; 
 temperature not regulated. 
 
 (3.) Have*never fed in a shed or tent. 
 
 (4.) The two-crop worm. 
 
 (5.) Multicaulis; cultivate by letting them 
 stand out winters, and hoeing them. 
 
 (6.) I prefer early feeding ; choose to hatch 
 by the 20th of June. 
 
 ELIPHALE-B MURDOCH, Le Roy, JV. F. I 
 have fed worms : 
 
 (1 .) Four years, as follows : first year, 
 4 bushels cocoons ; second year, no suc- 
 cess ; third year, 5 bushels ; fourth year, 10 
 bushels. 
 
 (2.) Common room in a house. 
 
 (3.) No. 
 
 (4.) Two-crop, and the pea-nut variety. 
 
 (5.) Multicaulis. 
 
 REV. S. C. BRADFORD, Sunderland, Mass. 
 I have had some experience in feeding 
 worms for five or six years. My first efforts, 
 made in the usual ways, convinced me that 
 results must be unfavorable, unless better 
 methods could be devised, labor saved, and 
 the health of the worm better promoted. I 
 accordingly set myself to the task of study- 
 ing the nature of the thing, and came speed- 
 ily to the same conclusions with Mr. Gill, of 
 Ohio, yourself, and others, in regard to ven- 
 tilation. The method I adopted was feeding 
 on open work, or racks, with limbs loosely ar- 
 ranged, to secure all the circulation of air that 
 could be procured consistently with shield- 
 ing them from the sun. To save further la- 
 bor, I never applied a hand to the removal of 
 litter, unless I found it souring or moulding, 
 in which case I applied one hand to raise the 
 brush on which the worms lay, and the other 
 to pull out the affected litter, and apply a 
 handful of slacked lime, hard salt, or plaster 
 of Paris. They wind up in the same I 
 find the result as stated by Mr. Gill. The 
 artificial modes of circulation mentioned by 
 him I have not applied, but doubt not the 
 utility of them. 
 
 I adopt the early and natural season of 
 hatching and feeding, from eggs lying up in 
 a cool situation during the season. 1 do not 
 
 choose to remove them at all from the stand 
 on which they were first deposited by the 
 miller. Nature provides ordinarily for the 
 simultaneous reproduction of the insect, and 
 the food which nourishes it. The first feed- 
 ing, also, I supply from thick-sown nurseries 
 of the minor sorts of trees, as whites, Asiatics, 
 &c., by plucking indiscriminately the first 
 shoots that start in the spring, reserving the 
 larger trees and heavier foliage for the ad- 
 vancing stages of the worm ; advancing 
 gradually through all the stages from shoots 
 of an inch to three or four feet, as the case 
 may be. I find the shoots as favorable to 
 the small as the large worm, and far less care 
 and labor need be applied in the moulting 
 than is necessary on leavR alone. Indeed, I 
 pay little regard to the moulting, except to 
 take that occasion to spread them, at the 
 same time to afford them, by that means, 
 more air. 
 
 A little now, on the subject of my success, 
 must close my communication. My first 
 success, on the principles above stated, was 
 decidedly favorable. The first crop, which 
 was obtained in 1841, between the planting 
 of my corn and the commencement of my 
 haying, from some few ounces of eggs, (I was 
 not particular, as I am not in the habit of 
 weighing,) brought me, in reeled silk, to- 
 gether with the bounty on cocoons and reel- 
 ing, the sum of one hundred and ttcenty dol- 
 lars in cash, after making liberal provisions 
 for eggs, by applying at least two bushels 
 of my best cocoons to the purpose. Myself 
 and son made the cocoons, my wife and 
 daughter picked, and cured, and flossed them, 
 with some help from an aged mother, who 
 was on a visit with us, and the assistance of 
 two days' work at picking from a neigh- 
 boring woman. My daughter reeled them, 
 as her first effort, on a reel, &c., costing 
 about six dollars. On a rough estimate, I 
 considered my profits on the labor of fhe 
 whole to be one hundred per cent. My suc- 
 cess last year was not as good, owing to late 
 frosts in the spring. This threw all my 
 operations into the last of the season. Then 
 by very close cutting my trees, I injured them 
 for this year. This, together with another 
 untimely frost, made me very late again this 
 year, and the results, as they generally are 
 in late feeding, not the best. Hereafter I 
 will feed early, or not at all. 
 
 P. S. I must just add, that I have the 
 confidence to enlarge my silk business, be- 
 lieving that once a year's early feeding and 
 cropping will be found as profitable to the 
 farmer as any other part of his business, and 
 not diminish the amount of his foliage from 
 year to year. 
 
 EBENEZER Woon, Jefferson, Asldalnila 
 
 Co., Ohio. 1 have fed worms for five years. 
 
 Commenced with a few hundred, with no 
 
 experience, no knowledge but reading 
 
 gradually learning and increasing a little, till 
 
 j we have fed about fifty thousand. Made 
 
 I many mistakes at first, both in feeding and 
 
 i reeling, but think we can manage the whole 
 
LETTERS. 
 
 35 
 
 business now as well as any farm crop. First 
 year, made a fcw good cocoons, but lost the 
 silk bad reeling. Second year, made some 
 good cocoons reeled badly on a common 
 reel made into sewing-silk sold for $7. 
 Third year, made what we sold for $20 a 
 good article. Fourth year, did a little more. 
 JLast, or fifth year, made 7 pounds reeled 
 silk. Said by judges to be a very good 
 article. 
 
 Fed in an out-building, well ventilated ; used 
 no fire, but think the rooms should be warmed 
 in cold mornings or days. Some of my chil- 
 dren put a few worms on the mulberries out 
 in the field about ten days after this called 
 me to see how they had grown. I was as- 
 tonished to see the difference between them 
 and those in the building. I immediately 
 put out some more ; they did well for a few 
 days, till the birds took them. They were 
 certainly three times as large. We feed leaves, 
 wet or dry, according to circumstances. In 
 hot, dry weather, we wet our leaves to keep 
 them from wilting and drying up, and feed 
 them wet, of course. I have given this hint 
 about wet leaves, for I think it is a matter 
 that should be understood. 
 
 I cannot say much about the different 
 kinds of silk-worms, having fed only sulphur 
 variety. Fed from the multicaulis mulberry. 
 Cultivate and keep them clean. Think they 
 have passed the meridian of life at three or 
 four years old, and will have to be replaced 
 with new ones. 
 
 I will here just remark that, from what 
 experience we have had, I have no doubt 
 that, witii good eggs, worms well fed, well 
 ventilated, and well limed, we may be as sure 
 of a good crop of cocoons, as we are of any 
 good farm crop, well managed. 
 
 It is not to be expected that all will suc- 
 ceed equally well ; that is not the case in 
 any business. There are many causes of 
 failure. Some will succeed, some will not. 
 But I see I am giving opinion and not facts, 
 arid I close. 
 
 P. S. What I have done is merely an 
 experiment to see if the thing is practicable 
 am well convinced it will be profitable to 
 thrse who manage rightly. 
 
 I have for several years read every thing I 
 could oret on the silk business, and picked 
 up all the information I could get elsewhere. 
 I mention this that you may see I shall look 
 with much anxiety for your Report intend, 
 if received, it shall do not only me but others, 
 good. [Right, friend, lend it. I. R. B.] 
 
 SIMEON PIERSON, Le Roy, JV. Y. It is 
 thirty-seven years since I came into this 
 country. I soon found the native mulberry 
 growing spontaneously, which led me to be- 
 lieve, as I now do, that silk-worms may be 
 grown in any clime where the mulberry 
 grows naturally ; but the want of eggs pre- 
 vented my making any experiment till about 
 nine years ago. I then obtained some eggs 
 of the mammoth sulphur kind ; about the 
 same time I obtained some of the white Ital- 
 ian mulberry-trees, the seed of which was 
 
 from Middletown, Conn. ; and previous to 
 their growth I fed worms from the native 
 mulberry ; and after my white mulberry-trees 
 were grown I fed on both. And five or six 
 years ago the multicaulis was introduced in 
 town, but I have not been able, to this time, 
 to discover that the worms' manifest any 
 preference, or show any partiality, to any 
 one kind. My wife and daughter, for amuse- 
 ment and experiment, have fed a few thou- 
 sand about every year since we obtained the 
 eggs. We have manufactured considerable 
 sewing-silk, some of which we have dyed 
 different colors, which, for strength and lus- 
 tre., would not suffer in comparison with the 
 imported. We have never fed but one crop 
 in a season ; we have generally commenced 
 feeding about the 20th of June, in an upper 
 chamber, a tight room. After learning more 
 of their customs and habits, we have fed 
 them in our wood-house chamber, where 
 there was more air, and where we found 
 they did equally as well. We found they 
 would retire from the light of a window, even 
 in a cloudy day. We nave never used any 
 artificial heat. I believe a succession of 
 crops may be fed during the season, by com- 
 mencing, say about the 20th of May, and 
 close 20th of September. We have never 
 lost a crop from any cause, but I know of 
 some who have. 
 
 N. B. Being too old and feeble to attend 
 the Convention, I have yielded to the request 
 of several gentlemen by writing as I have. 
 
 JOSEPH STEER, Mt. Pleasant, Jefferson 
 Co., Ohio. Uses the shed and cradle 
 says he has produced his cocoons at less than 
 one half -the expense* of former modes of 
 feeding has made in this way, this year, 
 upwards of 40 bushels of first-rate pea-nuts. 
 
 JNO. K. NORTON, Bonn, Salem P. 0., 
 Ohio. Writing to find a sale for cocoons, 
 says that there have been about one hundred 
 bushels raised in his neighborhood the pres- 
 ent season. 
 
 J. LINTON, P. M., East Bethlehem, Wash- 
 ington Co., Penn. Has fed 10 to 12 bush- 
 els uses the white Italian, and multicaulis 
 wants a market for cocoons a trouble 
 in many other places. 
 
 JOHN BOYDEN, Brooklyn, Cuyahoga Co., 
 Ohio. I am a silk-grower on a small scale, 
 connected with other farming, and will en- 
 deavor to answer the several questions pro- 
 posed. 1st. Have fed worms for eight years, 
 the first four years by way of experiment; 
 since that on a larger scale. We have been 
 successful every year excepting the first, 
 which was a total failure. 2d. Our building 
 is nothing more than a common barn, with the 
 cracks linpd with thin boards ; the tempera- 
 ture is regulated by stoves. 3d. Never fed in 
 an open shed or tent. 4th. We prefer the pea- 
 nut variety to any other we are acquainted 
 with. 5th. We use the multicaulis, planted 
 in drills, cultivated, and kept clear -of weeds. 
 
36 
 
 LETTERS. 
 
 6th. Early feeding is preferable to late, 
 though we often feed as late as the 10th of 
 September with good success. 7th. The 
 cause of bad success in feeding is, 1 believe, 
 in not properly ventilating, and inattention in 
 feeding and cleaning, bth. Cannot answer 
 this question, it being out of my line of busi- 
 ness. 9th. Have not tried the process of 
 dew, or water-rotting, but will try it this sea- 
 son, and communicate next. 
 
 In conclusion, I would remark, that I feel 
 no desire at present to discontinue growing 
 silk; it is certainly a profitable branch of 
 business to me. The avails of my silk ope- 
 rations are about equal to those of the farm. 
 It makes employment for my whole family. 
 
 1 will now state my manner of feeding and 
 treatment of the worm. We hatch them as 
 early in the season as will answer, and feed 
 them on the tender leaves till they have 
 moulted the second or third time, when we 
 commence feedinor with branches ; that is, 
 we cut the trees down to the ground the 
 trees having been cut to the ground the 
 previous spring then take them into a com- 
 mon straw-cutter, and cut them three or four 
 inches long, brandies, leaves, and all. These 
 we feed to the worms. Trees can be cut 
 twice in the season, but once is about suffi- 
 cient for the health of the tree. I should 
 recommend, after the first cutting, to pick 
 the leaves the rest of the season. Two crops 
 of worms can be raised with ease, and I have 
 raised five. We have no feeding frames or 
 hurdles ; we feed on the board shelf, and 
 shift our worms by means of branches. 
 
 1 likewise consider the silk crop a sure 
 crop : in eight years I have failed but once, 
 and that was easily accounted for- inexpe- 
 rience in feeding. Keep your shelves well 
 cleansed, the cocoonery well regulated as to 
 heat and air, and plenty of fresh foliage on 
 them, and I can safely say, a failure will not 
 often occur. 
 
 SILAS C. CLARK, Sliarpshurgh, Mleghany 
 County, Pa. My experience in the silk 
 business commenced the present season. 
 The mulberries at my command consisted of 
 about two and a half acres of multicaulis. 
 The lot of eggs designed for successive 
 crops of worms during the summer had 
 been deposited in an ice-house for preserva- 
 tion. On opening the box on the 17th of 
 June, in order to expose a portion of the 
 eggs, the whole were found to have hatched, 
 and the little worms, apparently a day or 
 two old, were generally in a state of great 
 activity. The box had been accidentally 
 placed above and a little remote from the ice. 
 Hence the misfortune. However, I imme- 
 diately commenced feeding. For a cocoonery, 
 I occupied an open building, in which there 
 was a free circulation of air, corresponding 
 and varying with the surrounding atmos- 
 phere. No artificial heat was used, and no 
 effort was made to regulate the state of the 
 temperature, which ranged from fifty-six to 
 ninety -two degrees. 
 
 Jn the result, I have little of which to 
 
 boast, although nearly meeting my expecta- 
 tions. That the mariner of hatching engen- 
 dered disease among a portion of the worms, 
 can hardly be doubted. Still, but a compar- 
 atively small number of the worms was 
 sickly, and a yield of about sixty pounds of 
 cocoons to an ounce of eggs was realized. 
 However, another loss, chargeable to inexpe- 
 rience, was subsequently sustained, through 
 an unsuccessful attempt to stifle the chrysalis 
 by the use of camphor. The eggs for the 
 next crop of a species called, I think, the 
 Canton pea-nut were procured in North- 
 ampton, Massachusetts. These hatched on 
 the way; and, for the want of mulberry 
 leaves, the worms were fed a day or two on 
 lettuce. Subsequently, they were tended 
 and treated in the same manner as the previ- 
 ous crop. During their fourth and fifth ages, 
 a large portion of them became diseased 
 with the yellows; and this effort proved al- 
 most a total failure. The very few worms, 
 however, which came to maturity produced 
 cocoons of an excellent quality. With an 
 ardor stimulated by an unabated solicitude 
 for the character of the business, 1 resolved 
 on making another experiment. 
 
 I procured an ounce and a half of eggs of 
 the common pea-nut variety, and commenced 
 feeding on the 15th of August. By means 
 of artificial heat in my open building, I 
 strove to keep the temperature of the co- 
 coonery above sixty-eight degrees ; in several 
 instances, however, without success. Sev- 
 eral times the thermometer fell to sixty. I 
 fed regularly seven or eight times per day, 
 once in from two to three hours, and never 
 permitting more than five or six hours at 
 most to elapse between feedings, even during 
 the night. Through the first four ages the 
 worms were fed with cut leaves, subsequent- 
 ly with branches. 
 
 With the assistance of my lady, I did the 
 whole work of the cocoonery, and every 
 thing appertaining to the feeding, excepting 
 the gathering of leaves after the third moult- 
 ing, the expense of which amounted to 
 about five dollars. In twenty-four days from 
 the first hatching, the worms began to form 
 their cocoons. At this juncture, the weather, 
 which had been very favorable, became sud- 
 denly cold so much so, that I was unable to 
 keep the temperature much above sixty, in 
 parts of the cocoonery 'remote from the 
 stove, without doing injury to the worms in 
 closer proximity. The cold state of the 
 temperature at this critical period, in my 
 opinion, not onlv retarded the progress of 
 their spinning, but, in a greater or less de- 
 gree, tended to diminish the amount and 
 value of their products. However, in this 
 instance, the worms kept near the stove, in a 
 high and more uniform temperature, evident 
 ly produced the larger and better cocoons 
 Still, very few were sickly, and the product 
 of this crop amounted to ten bushels, or one 
 hundred and thirty-three pounds of good 
 cocoons. 
 
 With good eggs and plenty of room, and 
 other conveniences, I should now undertake 
 
LETTERS. 
 
 37 
 
 to raise a healthy crop of worms, with as 
 much confidence of success as I should a cor- 
 responding number of any animals whatever. 
 Ci.i dullness seems to me indispensable to the 
 healthfulness of worms. One thought more : 
 Whoever engages in this business without 
 experience, and makes the necessary ar- 
 rangements for a single season, with the ex- 
 pectation of making, during that time, a 
 fortune, or even of gaining a full remunera- 
 tion for his time and expenditures, will be 
 likely to be disappointed. Still, if it be per- 
 severingly and judiciously prosecuted, I en- 
 tertain an unshaken and settled confidence 
 in the ultimate and triumphant success of 
 the silk business in this country. I cannot 
 doubt that the business is destined shortly to 
 become a great and important "branch of 
 national industry, and a vast and inexhaust- 
 ible source of national wealth. 
 
 PLINV SAFFORD, P. M., Westminster, Vt. 
 I have fed silk- worms in a very* small 
 way for two or three years past. I have a 
 few mulberry-trees, partly multicaulis and 
 partly alpine. I feed about two weeks on 
 multicaulis, after which, or after the second 
 moulting, I put them on the alpine. My 
 cocoonery is a part of rny barn which I use 
 for a carriage- house. 
 
 On the 27th of last May, I took some eggs 
 from the ice-house and placed them in a cool 
 room. They hatched June 21st, 22d, and 
 23d. 
 
 On the 4th day of August, I took down 
 eighteen pounds of cocoons, which yielded 
 one and a half pounds of reeled silk. 
 
 July 1st, I took some eggs from the ice, 
 which came out on the 13th, 14th, and 15th. 
 September 1st, I picked fifteen pounds of 
 poor cocoons, which reeled half a pound of 
 silk. 
 
 My first crop were healthy, but the second 
 were sickly. 
 
 ROSWELL RICE, Charlemont, Franklin Co., 
 Mass. We consider the silk business a 
 noble one ; therefore, if we can, by sending 
 in our statement, small though it" be, yield 
 any assistance or encouragement, we gladly 
 do it. In answer to questions : 
 
 1st. We have fed worms six seasons, and 
 our labors, each year, have been crowned 
 with success. 
 
 2d. Feed in a close building, regulate the 
 temperature by artificial heat, the mercury 
 standing at seventy-five or eighty degrees. 
 
 3d. Have never fed in an open tent or 
 shed Did we live in a latitude where no 
 chilly blasts were ever felt, but all were 
 warm and pleasant as a sunny day in July, 
 we might feed in tents, but we think the 
 rigors of this our northern clime are too se- 
 vere for the silk- worm to endure. 
 
 4th. We prefer, above all other kinds, the 
 pea-nut worm ; consider the texture finer, and 
 the yield greater. 
 
 5th. We use the multicaulis and white 
 mulberry. The white in the early part of 
 the season, before the others are grown. Cut 
 
 the tops from the multicaulis-trees in the fall, 
 and leave the roots in the ground. 
 
 6th. Have fed both in the early and late 
 part of the season, and our success in each 
 is equally good. 
 
 7th. As~to the causes of bad success in 
 feeding, we know NO NEED of having bad 
 success. We always keep our room w(trm t 
 feed as often as the worms will take leaves, 
 and attend well to cleanliness; and, by so 
 doing, the worms are all in the bushes to 
 wind in four weeks from the time of hatch- 
 ing. If this seems in any degree incredible, 
 please try it, and see. 
 
 Hth. Have not tested the use of the mul- 
 berry-leaf for paper ; our means are small and 
 inadequate. 
 
 9lh. We have never tried to separate the 
 bark from the young shoots, to convert it 
 into paper or fabrics. 
 
 Our only crop this season amounted to 
 one hundred and eighty pounds of cocoons. 
 1 consider the silk business one well worthy 
 the attention of our New England farmers ; 
 and I believe it is one which will yield a 
 much better profit than ordinary agricultu- 
 ral production. 
 
 FRANCIS D. WAIT, CantwelVs Bridge, Del- 
 aware. I am a silk-grower, and will pro- 
 ceed to answer the first series of your ques- 
 tions. I should be extremely happy, had I 
 funds to spare, to come on to your city ; but 
 am too poor the fate, I am afraid, of many 
 growers. I was induced, in 1838, by repre- 
 sentations made on every side, of the great 
 profits resulting from the culture of silk, to 
 enter upon it, and have fed worms every 
 year, from that time to this, in increasing 
 quantities. The past season I raised nearly 
 six hundred pounds of cgpoons. 
 
 In answer to the second question, I will 
 state, that, in 1838, I put up a building 
 twenty-five by twenty-eight fet, two stories 
 high, and a good cellar, which is absolutely 
 indispensable. I fed two or three years at 
 the natural temperature ; since then, I have 
 used artificial heat, I think, to great ad- 
 vantage. I have a furnace in the cellar, 
 from which heated air rises through th 
 building. 
 
 A gradually increased temperature is par- 
 ticularly necessary in hatching the eggs. In 
 this way, eggs may be hatched in two, and 
 not exceeding three days; whereas at the 
 natural temperature several days more will 
 be required ; and one year, I recollect, the 
 eggs ceased hatching in consequence of a 
 cold north-east storm, when a great reduction 
 of temperature took place. 
 
 The last four years I have used only two 
 varieties of worms the sulphur and the 
 pea-nut. The first year I raised some of the 
 mammoth white and the two-crop, and re- 
 jected them both. With regard to the first 
 two varieties I have to state that 'in 1842, 
 when I first noted the difference, it took 4400 
 pea-nut cocoons to make a bushel, and 2200 
 of sulphur to make a bushel. From the first 
 I obtained 22 ounces of raw silk, and from 
 
38 
 
 LETTERS. 
 
 the last 14 ounces of raw silk. The pea-nut 
 cocoons per bushel weighed 15 pounds, the 
 sulphur per bushel weighed 9 pounds. It 
 took about 300 pea-nuts to weigh a pound, 
 and about 240 sulphur to weigh a pound. 
 From these facts you perceive that, worm for 
 worm, I obtained more silk from the sulphur 
 than 1 did from the pea-nut. The 4400 pea- 
 nut cocoons yielded 22 ounces of raw silk, 
 and the 4400 sulphur yielded 28 ounces of 
 raw silk. The past season the cocoons were 
 about in the same ratio. With regard to the 
 product in silk I cannot say, for 1 have not 
 reeled them. 
 
 1 use the multicaulis nearly altogether. I 
 have a hedge of white mulberry-trees upon 
 which I feed the worms during the first age, 
 cut very fine. The past season, as well as 
 before, I cut down the trees, took them to 
 the cellar and there stripped them, when I fed 
 with leaves, otherwise cut off the branches 
 and fed with them, which is far preferable. 
 In feeding with leaves I use the paper net, 
 which is far superior to every other contriv- 
 ance. Nearly all the worms will ascend 
 through them the first feeding, so that you 
 change them every day at farthSht. Feeding 
 on branches, however, is preferable on every 
 account. Less expensive, less trouble, 
 worms more healthy, and of course obtain 
 more silk. 
 
 The experience of silk-growers, so far as I 
 have ascertained, is in favor of early feeding. 
 I believe, however, that two good crops can 
 be raised, particularly if you have artificial 
 heat, which is more especially demanded at 
 the beginning of the first crop. My first 
 crop was hatched onjjie 23d and 24th of May, 
 and consisted of 5 ounces of eggs; wound up 
 in 32 days; obtained 413 pounds of cocoons; 
 ought to have had^ind should have had 500 
 pounds, could I have fed at 9 o'clock, F. M., 
 as I always had done, but was prevented, for 
 fear that my boys would set the straw, which 
 I used as a bed for the worms, on fire. On 
 the 4th of July, on going to the ice-house to 
 
 but in this unfavorable condition I took them 
 out and fed them, and gathered 153 pounds 
 of cocoons. I received some eggs on the 
 17th of August, which had been left in an 
 ice-house. On the 18th they began to hatch. 
 I suppose that I had as many worms as I had 
 at my second crop, but obtained only 10i Ibs. 
 of cocoons. They nearly all died ; still, I had 
 some as good cocoons as 1 ever had. 
 
 1 am the only one feeding in this part of 
 the country. 
 
 1 have generally obtained 100 pounds of 
 cocoons from an ounce of eggs. 
 
 I believe that 50 or 60 dollars may be had, 
 clear profit, for every acre of mulberries. 
 
 I have on hand 30 or 40 pounds of raw silk, 
 which 1 find great difficulty in disposing of. 
 There is no market for it in Philadelphia that 
 I know of. And to send it to New York is 
 uncertain and inconvenient. 
 
 Our State gives a bounty of two dollars on 
 
 the pound of reeled silk 15 cents per Ib. 
 on cocoons. I think 20 cents per pound 
 would pay the expense of raising them. 1 
 anticipate a great deal of pleasure in reading 
 the proceedings of the Convention, and hope 
 the result will be auspicious to the growth 
 and manufacture of silk in this country. 
 
 JOSEPH BENCNLEY, JVewjporf, Herkimer Co., 
 New York. I have fed silk- worms six years, 
 generally in small numbers. This is the first 
 year I have fed wholly from the multicaulis. 
 My cocoons did better than the same kind 
 did last year, fed on white mulberry. Name 
 of the worm, Mirable Jaune, Nankin color, 
 and Sina Mirable, white : the best success I 
 ever had was with worms I got from Mr. 
 Bean, of Philadelphia, a small pea-nut-shaped 
 cocoon. He called them Sina Nankin. This 
 year my worms did not do as well as last 
 I hatched the middle of July; last year the 
 latter part of June. I fed in chambers, with 
 no chance of ventilating to my mind; and 
 about the time of winding, in August, we had 
 one week of very warm and very wet weath- 
 er, with no air stirring, and one half of my 
 worms died. 
 
 I have always manufactured my cocoons 
 into sewing-silk. I reel them myself, and 
 my wife or hired girl twists, and doubles and 
 twists it on a common spinning-wheel. 1 
 send you a few threads which are no better 
 than all I make. A lady of this place pur- 
 chased of me silk for a pair of stockings; she 
 took it to the stocking-weaver of Utica, who 
 pronounced it a superior article, as good as 
 he ever saw, and he learned his trade in Eng- 
 land. The stockings were as handsome as 1 
 ever saw, and so said others. 
 
 In the spring of 1842, I planted 2000 mul- 
 ticaulis-trees, which I brought from' Ohio, in 
 rows six feet apart, and trees two feet apart 
 in the row. I then took limbs from the same, 
 and placed them so the ends touched, in drills 
 the same distance apart, 6 feet. In the fall I 
 had about ten thousand in all, on one and a 
 half acres I let them stand as they were, 
 without any protection. I believe every tree 
 sprcuted last spring, and the 10th of June 
 the young shoots were killed, to the old wood, 
 by frost. They recovered, grew rapidly, and 
 have matured their wood nearly to the top, 
 and are now shedding their leaves without 
 frost. Many of them are six feet high. I 
 know them to be as hardy as the white, and 
 the finest cocoons I ever saw were produced 
 
 S worms fed wholly on multicaulis, by Mr. 
 app, Dr. Matthews, and others, at Paines- 
 ville, Ohio. 
 
 With a cocoonery in the midst of rny trees, 
 I believe I can attend two hundred thousand 
 worms from the middle of May to the middle 
 of September, with children to pick and bring 
 in the leaves. 
 
 When we see multicaulis-trees, from limbs 
 planted in May, (of course, do not strike root 
 and begin to grow till June,) withstand such 
 a winter as 1^42-3, and this in the north of 
 Herkimer Co., we may ask, What part of our 
 country cannot produce silk ? 
 
LETTERS. 
 
 SAMUEL BARRETT, French Creek, Lewis 
 Co., Va. I have fed worms, or attempted 
 to feed them, for three years. June, 1641, I 
 received by mail one ounce of eggs from Gi- 
 deon B. Smith, of Baltimore, editor of the 
 American Silk Journal. They were of the 
 variety which he called the Mirable Jaunes, 
 and which he pronounced the best kind. 1 
 fed in the loft of a log building, with only 
 one window, and a door on the same side of 
 the room ; the room was otherwise tolerably 
 tight. Underneath was a cooking-stove, daily 
 used in cooking for the family. This, togeth- 
 er with the extremely warm weather, or some 
 other cause, produced unhealthiness in the 
 worms, and I lost the most of them. The 
 close manner in which they were kept was 
 sufficient, in my own mind, to account for 
 this result. In 1842, I lost all my eggs in 
 the spring by the rats unluckily getting at 
 them. This year I wrote to G. B. Smith, of 
 Baltimore, to send me a small quantity by 
 mail; on the first of August, they arrived at 
 Clarkesburg, a distance of 260 miles, in 'ex- 
 treme warm weather. They had just com- 
 menced hatching when they arrived. They 
 proved a healthy lot, and made me 36 Ibs. 
 cocoons. They were of the Mirable Jaunes 
 variety, or a cross breed of the pea-nut, and 
 some other valuable kind. My cocoonery 
 was a building erected by putting forks in 
 the ground laying poles in these forks to 
 support the roof, covering the roof with boards 
 and slabs, and the sides with rough boards 
 loosely nailed on. It was 20 by 16 feet. 
 During feeding it was my object to keep a 
 stream" of pure air sweeping through the co- 
 coonery, by opening all the windows and the 
 doors. Besides this, I knocked off several 
 boards from my building, in different places, 
 that the air might have a free circulation in 
 every part. This I could perceive had a fine 
 effect on the worms. 
 
 I have principally fed on the Canton mul- 
 berry, with a few of the multicaulis, and the 
 Italian. I once fed a small lot on each of 
 the three kinds: the multicaulis, the Canton, 
 and the Italian. The lots were all equally 
 healthy, and the worms had no preference 
 for either. After the first year's growth from 
 the cuttings or larger trees, I have let them 
 run their chance through the winter. The 
 tops have generally been killed with the 
 frost ; 'but the most of the roots have lived, 
 except on /o?o, frosty grounds, where a con- 
 siderable number have died. The Canton 
 tree, so far as my experience has extended, 
 has proved more hardy than the multicaulis ; 
 the leaf is thicker and heavier, and they 
 grow thicker on the stalk. On a given piece 
 of ground, I have thought the greatest 
 weight of leaves could be obtained from the 
 Canton. 
 
 One of my neighbors fed a lot of worms 
 this season, in June and July. He hatched 
 about two ounces of eggs, producing from 60 
 to 100,000 worms He had not foliage enough 
 to feed one fourth of that number. His room 
 for feeding was a small chamber in his dwell- 
 ing-house, about 14 feet by 12, and not capa- 
 
 ble of containing more than 250 feet of shelv- 
 ing, which, at the most, ought not to contain 
 over 10,000 worms. 1 advised him to throw 
 away 7-8ths of his worms, and warned him 
 of the consequence, if he did not. Having 
 ted a small lot last year with good success, 
 and being one of those men who choose to 
 have their own way, he determined to try 
 his luck with the whole lot. He ransacked 
 the neighborhood and the woods for leaves, 
 but all in vain; at about two weeks' old they 
 became diseased, and he lost the whole lot. 
 His eggs were good, and his worms perfectly 
 healthy, till about the third age, when they 
 became suffocated. I have found, on close 
 observation, that nothing imparts such vigor 
 to the worms as a good, dry breeze of air. 
 Even a damp breeze is far better than a sul- 
 try, confined air. I intend to build a cocoon- 
 ery another season, and locate it on a rising 
 ground, where the air will circulate freely. 
 In regard to the silk cause in general, I have 
 always had confidence in its success. About 
 four years ago, 1 laid out about $160 for cut- 
 tings to commence an orchard with. I. lost 
 the greatest share of them. Since that time 
 I have kept on increasing them, down to the 
 present year. Some of my neighbors tell me 
 i had better grub them up. 1 tell them no > 
 they may yet want to purchase them of me 
 for orchards of their own. Feeding worms 
 has been no new thing with me. When 1 
 was a boy, my sisters, several in number, fed 
 silk-worms, from my recollection, my father 
 having planted an orchard of Italian trees ort 
 his first settlement in Hampden County,, 
 Mass. Several brothers of us used to pick 
 leaves for our sisters. They always had suc- 
 cess. I never heard of their crop being un- 
 healthy, or losing it. They thought it no- 
 more difficulty to raise a crop of worms than 
 a crop of chickens. 
 
 NOAH B. HART, Batavia, JY*. F., for him- 
 self, arid ELIJAH HKRRICK, Bethany; WOR- 
 DEN MATISON, Darien ; and WM. TELDEN,, 
 Le Roy, says : 
 
 At the State Fair, at Rochester, we had a 
 hurried Convention of a part of the silk- 
 growers present, and sent you some state- 
 ments of our successes. [1 am sorry to say 
 that the document here referred to has not 
 been received. I. R. B.] There were fine 
 specimens of silk exhibited on that occasion* 
 
 I am authorized to say that, amidst our 
 successes and losses, our good moves and 
 bad moves, we are all determined to perse- 
 vere, fully satisfied that the silk business has 
 a solid basis to stand upon ; and all that is 
 wanting to secure full success in feeding 
 worms is practical knowledge, and appro- 
 priate facilities : the same precisely as in any 
 thing and every thing else. 
 
 We have mostly fed in OUT dwelling- 
 houses and out-houses, and generally on the 
 multicaulis. 
 
 I send you a sample of the raw silk that 
 took the premium at the Fair at Rochester, 
 and also a sample of sewing-silk made since 
 the Fair from some of the premium silk. 
 
LETTERS. 
 
 [This raw silk is a fine article. I. R. B.] We 
 have had a great deal to contend with, in our 
 efforts in this business : want of experience, 
 wrong information, prejudice, and ridicule, 
 from the unbelieving multitude, whose busi- 
 ness it is to laugh at what they have not 
 themselves the energy to attempt. But 
 the tables are now turned and turning, and 
 we are animated to see the manifestations 
 of the change, here as well as elsewhere. 
 
 REV. JOSEPH FIELD, Charlemonl, Mass. 
 My experience in raising silk commenced in 
 1833. For a number of years my worms 
 were fed in rooms not adapted to good ven- 
 tilation, nor for being artificially warmed. 
 Small crops were ordinarily obtained with 
 various degrees of success. Five or six 
 years since I erected a cocoonery, 40 feet by 
 !2, a story from the ground, extending north 
 and south ; three windows on the east side, 
 and as many on the west directly opposite, 
 and two with a door in the north end, a door 
 at the other end opening into another apart- 
 ment somewhat open, and capable of being 
 filled with breezes from the west. [This room 
 is altogether too close. I. R. B.] In this room, 
 prepared with. shelves running from one end 
 to the other, and the walls made tight by 
 plaster, my worms have been reared for sev- 
 eral years, with little use of artificial heat. 
 My daughters, who had the care of feeding 
 the worms, became convinced, by a gradual- 
 ly increased use of the stove, that such an 
 article was very important in an expeditious 
 and sucoessfuf raising of cocoons. Accord- 
 ingly, the present year we introduced a 
 stove, by which . any degree of temperature 
 could be raised and maintained, and care was 
 taken to keep it up as high as 80. Sweet, 
 pure air is necessary, and must be obtained 
 by ventilation, if necessary ; but dryness and 
 heat are indispensable to secure healthiness, 
 speedy growth, and desirable fruitfulness to 
 the silk-worm. It is often necessary to ele- 
 vate, but never to depress the temperature, 
 while all impurities are carefully excluded 
 from the atmosphere. 
 
 FRANCIS MOOR, Putney, Vt., says : I 
 commenced growing silk, as a business, sev- 
 eral years since, having a slender constitu- 
 tion and poor health. The tree speculation 
 came. To better my circumstances, I en- 
 gaged in it, and lost what little I had. Still 
 I have kept doing something at growing silk ; 
 have about three acres of trees, multicaulis, 
 Cantons, Asiatics, and Alpines. 1 have fed 
 early and late, used the different kinds of 
 worms, and kept eggs in all the different 
 ways, and fed in close and open buildings. I 
 prefer early feeding, though sometimes make 
 good crops late. As a system for general 
 adoption, open feeding is safest. Trees ought 
 not to be so thick as to prevent the sun from 
 reaching the leaves, and the air to circulate 
 freely among them. In 1840, I made 121 
 Ibs. 5oz ; 1841, 494 Ibs. j 1842, 161 Ibs. 4 oz.; 
 1843, 108 Ibs. 5 oz. 
 
 MOSES E. GUILD, South Dcdham, Mass. 
 I received your Silk Circular per mail, dated 
 Aug. 28, and am exceedingly happv to learn 
 that measures are to be taken in behalf of 
 this important branch of agriculture. It not 
 being possible for me to attend the Conven- 
 tion, will communicate by mail what little 
 information I may be master of. 
 
 Have fed worms two years ; the results 
 have been unfavorable, owing to inexperience. 
 This year lost most of my worms by over- 
 stocking my trees. Fed in a perfectly open 
 building, giving the worms a thorough ven- 
 tilation in all sorts of weather. They did ex- 
 traordinarily well until my foliage failed. I 
 prefer the large sulphur and pea-nut worms. 
 Use the multicaulis, Brusa, and Alpine \ 
 raised them from the slip ; have paid no par- 
 ticular attention to them otherwise than hoe- 
 ing. Winterkills the tops of the multicau- 
 lis, but they sprout from the roots readily in 
 the spring. 
 
 Feed on bundles and cut the branches, it 
 being much more expeditious than plucking 
 the leaves, and seems to be more in accord- 
 ance with the nature of the worms, as they 
 invariably (when healthy) after eating, crawl 
 to the stock of the branch to rest. Prefer 
 early feeding, for a number of reasons : 1st. 
 It is natural for the worms to hatch in June. 
 2d. The weather and temperature in general 
 is fine, and more conducive to the health of 
 the worm. 3d. The second crop of leaves 
 (which generally constitute the chief part of 
 the fodder for the last feeding) have not 
 those good qualities requisite for the pros- 
 perity of the worm that are possessed by the 
 first growth of leaves. The cause of bad 
 success in feeding, which has come under 
 my observation among my acquaintances, is 
 simply this. It being associated with every 
 thing else on farms, the attention which the 
 business demands is grossly neglected ; 
 therefore the results (like every thing else in 
 the agricultural way, which has not its due 
 share of care) are unfavorable. And, in my 
 opinion, the business that is, the growing 
 part, will never arrive to a state of perfection, 
 or yield the grower a handsome equivalent, 
 until he gives his whole attention in the 
 growing season. 
 
 W. J. CANTELO. Weehmckcn Hill, Hobokcn 
 P. 0., JV. J. Dear sir, the following is a 
 brief account of my process of raising silk- 
 worms. I had, this year, from 5 to 6 ounces 
 of eggs. 1 divided them in three parts; the 
 1st commenced hatching the 7th June ; the 
 2d on the 13th: the 3d on the 20th. We 
 fed them on the multicaulis of my own rais- 
 ing for nearly three weeks, when, as my own 
 trees were planted this spring, and not wish- 
 ing to injure their growth, I had recourse to 
 trees in the neighborhood, the leaves of 
 which were very poor, the soil being not 
 good, and not suitably cultivated. I found 
 that, at the second moulting, the third hatch 
 were as far advanced as the second, and they 
 wound at the same time ; which 1 attribute 
 
LETTERS. 
 
 41 
 
 to the last hatch having had a steady heat 
 from the time of their leaving the shell, 
 whereas the second lot had several very 
 cold days. An able writer on the subject 
 has remarked, and my own experience con- 
 firms it, that, if exposed to a high degree of 
 heat during the first stages, they receive an 
 impetus that continues during their brief ex- 
 istence. The last of the worms wound the 
 first week in August. We were disappoint- 
 ed in a part of the leaves we had engaged, 
 and were again obliged to change their food; 
 the only leaves we could procure at the time 
 were grown on the edge of a marsh, and 
 very much in the shade, and were, in conse- 
 quence, poor and watery, and all the worms 
 that were near winding, which is their most 
 critical age, were immediately affected by 
 them with a disease resembling cftolera mor- 
 bus, and almost all died ; a few, that were 
 probably the strongest, recovered, by being 
 fed with leaves well dried in the sun ; they 
 formed cocoons, but they were very indiffer- 
 ent. I estimate my loss at 30,000. I men- 
 tion this circumstance as a caution to persons 
 feeding, not to change a strong leaf for a 
 softer or more watery one, after the last 
 moulting. Notwithstanding the disadvan- 
 tages I labored under, I obtained from the 5 
 ounces of eggs 45 bushels of cocoons in the 
 gross. We have tried the various methods 
 of stifling the chrysalis : carbonic acid gas, 
 camphor, steaming, and baking, but find 
 nothing equal to destroying them by the heat 
 of the sun. During the feeding, the ther- 
 mometer fell once to 64, and one day rose to 
 100, but it ranged from 76 to 86. Our feed- 
 ing frames were lath hurdles, 4 feet by 9, in 
 tiers of 5, one above another, pulling out on 
 either side, like drawers, into a three feet 
 alley-way. 
 
 For the winding I tried the branches of 
 various trees and shrubs, both with and with- 
 out leaves ; those without leaves were de- 
 cidedly preferable, but each had its disad- 
 vantage. From close observation of the 
 worm in its choice of a place to wind, the 
 idea of the rack exhibited at the fair struck 
 me as being suitable, and, on trying it, I 
 found it to equal my most sanguine expecta- 
 tions. * * * It may be seen that 1 do 
 not recommend these racks from interested 
 motives, as the model has been sent to the 
 Institute for the benefit of the silk-growing 
 community ; I should merely wish the privi- 
 lege of naming them Cantdo's Winding Rack. 
 The silk exhibited is part of this year's crop, 
 and is reeled by my daughters on what is 
 called the Piedmont reel, with some improve- 
 ments. Relative to the cost of raising, my 
 expenses this year were, 
 
 For 9000 Ibs. of leaves, $30 00 
 
 Expense of picking, at 31 cts. ) 9S ,, 
 per 100 Ibs., 
 
 $58 I2h 
 
 1 cannot state the expense of attendance 
 for feeding, as the worms were attended by 
 my three daughters during the feeding, wind- 
 ing, and gathering, with the addition of an 
 extra person after the last moulting. Know- 
 4* 
 
 mg the number of persons required to attend 
 five ounces, any person can easily estimate 
 what that part of the expense would be. 
 
 I have every confidence in silk business. 
 Under that impression I have this year 
 planted 20,000 trees, built a cocoonery 200 
 by 25, two stories high, well ventilated by 
 doors and windows. 
 
 JOHN BARRETT, Ashby, Mass. As to the 
 questions, I can answer but a few, because I 
 have kept no statistics that are now at hand. 
 
 (1.) Have fed worms, more or less, eight 
 or ten years. The general result has been 
 satisfactory, though in some of the cold 
 seasons did not do so well. 
 
 (2.) I use an unfinished room in my 
 house, which is finished outside, tempera- 
 ture regulated some seasons by a stove, and 
 others by the winds and the sun, but al- 
 ways, when I have used artificial heat, have 
 succeeded the best. 
 
 (4.) The name of the variety that 1 have 
 I do not know ; it is a large kind of worm. 
 have had others, but prefer this to any I 
 have seen. 
 
 (5.) My trees are chiefly Cantons, and a few^ 
 common whites. I find the better they are 
 cultivated, the better for the grower, the bet- 
 ter for the picker, for the feeder, and the worm. 
 
 (6.) I prefer early feeding. 
 
 We have manufactured all the silk we 
 have raised, into sewings. My wife and a 
 little girl of fourteen have done the work 
 principally I turn in a helping hand when- 
 ever I can. The amount of proceeds va- 
 ries from $ 20 to $ 100 in a season, just as 
 I am able to give my attention to it have 
 from 6 to 8000 trees, arid mean to enlarge 
 my plantation. 
 
 I see nothing to prevent this branch of 
 business becoming equal to any other in this 
 country, if it is properly managed. 
 
 JOHN MAXAM, Colerain^ Mass. We have 
 fed all our mulberry-leaves to worms this 
 season, with good success. The silk-worm's 
 cradle of Mr. Gill is worthy of notice. A 
 few days prior to receiving your favor, de- 
 scribing the cradle, for the want of room I 
 had suspended a rack, made by framing nar- 
 row strips of boards together, ten by three 
 feet, by cords, which I could let down, and 
 feed, then raise and pass under. I attached 
 a thin board to the under side ; fed with 
 brush. When a sufficient quantity had been 
 laid on to prevent the worms from falling 
 through, took off the board, taking care not 
 to swing the rack more than we could help. 
 But upon receiving a description of Gill's 
 patent, I let down the rack, and set it in 
 motion. It swings nice, to the amusement 
 of my neighbors, and the great comfort and 
 loy of the little beings on the brush. I am 
 satisfied the cradle will do well, yet doubt 
 the propriety of feeding in tents. My worms 
 do not eat well in wet, cold, and long storms 
 do the best in dry, warm weather, with 
 pure air. In damp, foggy weather, I use 
 the stove, by which means the worms will 
 
LETTERS. 
 
 cat double the amount of leaves. Worms 
 want a warm, dry, pure air still, tent feed- 
 ing remains to be tested in this climate. 
 
 1 have fed worms five seasons use .the 
 multicaulis have one third of an acre, now 
 three years old head them down in the 
 spring trees not injured by standing out 
 winters have never failed essentially in 
 any part of the business, but have yet much 
 to learn. 
 
 H. A. YOUNG, Silk-dyer, Detroit, Michigan. 
 *~ I forward you the little knowledge I have 
 respecting silk-raising in this State. I tried 
 the experiment three years ago; fed the 
 worms with the white mulberry, and met 
 my expectations. There are some ten or 
 twelve families of my acquaintance who 
 have this season raised several bushels co- 
 coons from the multicaulis, and other va- 
 rieties, and from what I can learn, it would 
 become a source of wealth, if extensively 
 engaged in ; and, to secure this, all that is 
 wanted is a convenient market. There are 
 three silk-weavers in this vicinity they do 
 nothing at it, for want of encouragement. 
 I have seen a sample of this season's reeled 
 silk one of the above-mentioned weavers 
 pronounced it a first-rate article many fail 
 in cleaning silk. All agree that it is stout, 
 but deficient in lustre. Here lies the mys- 
 tery. Most people clean the silk with soft 
 Boap destroying the native gloss, in free- 
 ing it of its gum, owing to the vegetable 
 alkali the soap contains, the silk being ani- 
 mal substance ; it will completely dissolve 
 wool, if applied strong enough, forming a 
 soap of itself. Many dyers use nothing but 
 the best of white soap ; being made from 
 mineral alkali, soda acts gently on animal 
 substances; nor does it give that yellow 
 tinge the vegetable alkali produces. It is 
 even necessary to bleach silk for certain 
 shades, to give them a clear bloom. About 
 25 Ibs. good white soap, dissolved in suffi- 
 cient clean soft water, for 100 Ibs. silk ; put 
 the silk loosely in their bags; boil, gently, 
 say 2 hours cool and wash well, in a run- 
 ning stream beat occasionally, to free it 
 from all impurity. This I know by practice. 
 
 REV. E. J. BOARDMAN, Randolph Centre, 
 Vt. I am the only one that has done any 
 thing of consequence, in silk, this side of 
 Woodstock, that I know of. I bought 4500 
 trees two years ago, and put them on about 
 a quarter of an acre. I commenced feeding 
 about 45,000 worms ; a part were unhealthy, 
 a part hatched late, and a frost cut off my 
 leaves, so that I had but four bushels of 
 cocoons. They were kept in two rooms in 
 the second story of my house, which were 
 not very well ventilated, and the windows 
 down at night. 
 
 This year I procured eggs of Mr. Dexter, 
 of Chtremont, N. H., and fed about the 
 same number. I had 3 or 4000 eggs 
 white mammoth, and a few sulphur of 
 my own, both of which kinds were very 
 healthy, and wound well, and four other 
 
 kinds of Mr. Dexter about 6 or 8000 of 
 the Rougwicrmer ; 15,000 of the Nankin pea- 
 nuts ; 3000 of the two*crop, making white 
 cocoons, and in color like the sulphur ; and 
 10 or 12,000 of what Mr. Dexter called the 
 four weeks' sulphur, but which were in real- 
 ity the seven or eight weeks' sulphur. 
 
 It took about 200, upon an average, of the 
 Rougwiermer cocoons to make a pound ; 
 450 of the two-crop, white mammoth, and 
 sulphur; and pea-nuts 300. I had feed 
 enough for my worms both seasons, from my 
 4500 trees, (multicaulis only.) I cut them 
 off at the top of the ground last year, and 
 sold the cuttings, and covered a part with 
 the furrow, and a part were not covered,, 
 and they generally lived ; though those not 
 covered, the best. I have between eight 
 and nine bushels of cocoons. [The trees, in 
 the above, altogether too thick. They must 
 have sun and air. I. R. li.J 
 
 CHARLES G. CONKLEY, Martinsburg, Lew- 
 is Co., JV. Y. In 1842, I hatched, about 
 the middle of June, 100 eggs of the sulphur 
 variety. They grew well, were healthy, 
 and wound up, in about five weeks, 96 per- 
 fect cocoons, fed on the white and multi- 
 caulis. After the third moulting, cleaned 
 every alternate day. About the 1st of July I 
 hatched, as nearly as I could estimate, 1000 
 sulphur. They grew well until about the 
 third moulting, when my feed came short, 
 and from that time they did poorly. 
 
 About the 20th of June, 1843, I com- 
 menced with 120 of the drab pea-nut, fed 
 mostly on multicaulis gave plenty of fresh 
 air, cleaned them after the third moulting 
 every other day. They wound 112 perfect 
 cocoons, six imperfect, though not bad, and 
 two died after going up. When these were 
 about two weeks old, I hatched about 2000 
 sulphur they did well up to the third 
 moulting, when I neglected them, and they 
 became diseased, and began to die. I im- 
 mediately cleaned them off, and sprinkled 
 some new-slacked lime upon them, which 
 almost entirely stopped the disease. I con- 
 tinued that treatment until they wound up. 
 They made about 700 first-rate cocoons, and 
 about 100 poor ones. I hatched about 800 
 or 1000 of the sulphur, at the same time I 
 hatched the first, and gave them the same 
 treatment, and they wound 750 perfect co- 
 coons. 
 
 And now, from my two years' experience, 
 I have come to the conclusion, that three 
 things are indispensably necessary for the 
 successful culture of silk. First, plenty of 
 feed it matters not so much what kind, 
 whether white or niullicaulis. Second, plen- 
 ty of fresh air : and last, though not least, 
 cleanliness and plenty of room, especially 
 nft.cr the third moulting. And with these, 
 there is no more difficulty in raising silk, 
 than there is in raising sheep or pigs. 
 
 HENRY CHAPIN, Canandaigua, JV. Y. 
 I have fed, the last season, a small lot of 
 worms, for experiment, upon multicaulis; 
 
LETTERS. 
 
 nnd they did very well j and all of them, or 
 nearly all, wound up. I began this season, 
 and kept the eggs buck in an ice-house until 
 the 20th July. I then commenced with five 
 ounces eggs, and they all hatched, and passed 
 all their moultings well, and I did not lose 
 any until after the fourth moulting. About 
 the 1st September a few of them began to 
 spin. They all appeared healthy, but we 
 had at this time three very cold nights and 
 frost, and a cold storm, which lasted about a 
 week, and the final result was, that I lost the 
 most of them. 
 
 I have about two acres of multicaulis, and 
 this is the second year's growth. I fed the 
 worms in a covered building, but open at 
 the sides, so that it was well ventilated. I 
 shall try it again next season, but shall begin 
 earlier, say about the 10th of June. 1 think 
 probably my misfortune in this experiment 
 arose from late feeding. I am inexperienced 
 in the business never saw a silk-worm, or 
 saw any fed, until I fed them myself. I 
 should be glad to get the Report of the Con- 
 vention. 
 
 DR. M. W. PHILLIPS, Log-Hall, Ed- 
 wards' s Depot, Miss. I have planted the 
 multicaulis, and fed a few silk-worms for 
 two years. This tree grows very finely, 
 frequently to the height of 12 to 18 feet 
 from the bud, and to a size of near 3 inches 
 in diameter ; quality of land, and care of 
 cultivation making, of course, vast differ- 
 ence. The tender ends of the twigs, from a 
 few inches to a foot or so, become killed some 
 seasons, as it often happens that a killing 
 frost falls when the leaves are tender and the 
 twigs in full growth. Last year we had 
 worms in the gable of our house, the room 
 not plastered, with three windows of twelve 
 lights each, 10 by 12 glass, and one door, fre- 
 quently all of them open ; we were careful 
 to feed on dry leaves, sprinkling air-slacked 
 lime over them, and not cleaning the hurdles 
 but a few times. We lost very few by disease, 
 the ant proving our only enemy. This sea- 
 son we fed enough to make about one bushel 
 of cocoons, and did not lose in all probability 
 100 worms, the most of which were mashed, 
 or, dropping on the floor, were destroyed by 
 the ant. 
 
 We fed this season in a plastered room, 
 three large windows of 18 lights each, and 
 two doors, all of wljich were generally open 
 from eight to nine o'clock, A. M. We were 
 induced to make a fire in the room about 
 daylight for a few mornings, the season being 
 colder than I ever before saw in the South, 
 though a native. I fed partly on multicaulis 
 and partly on the red (wild) mulberry. I 
 have three neighbors that have fed more 
 than we have. They feed on shelves, sus- 
 pended from top of the house, in, general- 
 ly, a shed, weather-boarded with split white- 
 oak clapboards, no sash, no fire. One of 
 them fed in an open log-house this year, 
 with not even a door-shutter, or the cracks 
 of the house stopped. This lady, Mrs. 
 Nancy Wells, wife of Mr. Wm. M. Wells, 
 
 sent to our fair a specimen of her silk, and 
 a purse knit of it, on both of which she took 
 a premium. She has been making silk three 
 years ; uses the common reel and the common 
 spinning-wheel, and deserves great credit 
 for her zeal, industry, and public spirit. 
 
 None of the experiments 1 know of in this 
 region, but have been very successful ; and, 
 except my own, I do not think a thermome- 
 ter would vary one degree from the shelf 
 where the worms were, and out of doors, 
 except the blowing of wind would cause a 
 slight variation. 1 have visited these fixtures 
 each year, and know what I say. The loss 
 is so trivial that neither could say if there 
 were any. 
 
 This season I fed worms with leaves well 
 wetted with dew, so much so, that shaking 
 them on the floor would pretty well sprinkle 
 it, which we generally did. Heretofore, we 
 gathered dry leaves in time, or even wiped 
 them dry, but it was so tedious we resolved 
 merely to shake the water off, and our worms 
 grew apparently more rapid than ever they 
 had before. As a fact to prove this, they 
 began to wind the 25th or 2(5th day. They 
 were never fed after 9 o'clock nor before 6 
 to 7, generally five or six times a day. We 
 had made up our mind, that much of this 
 feeding with cut leaves, all day and all night, 
 cleaning hurdles, drv leaves, no moisture, 
 &c. &c., was too much trouble, and unne- 
 cessary, and we tried the plan. We would 
 not hesitate to feed in the open air, if it were 
 not for birds, poultry, ants, and our heavy 
 rains. 
 
 The great difficulty in all matters of im- 
 provement in the South is, " it is too small a 
 business," too much trouble, or too long to 
 get the return. There are but few in this 
 country who look upon the silk business as 
 any business at all ; but few who would have 
 any thing to do with it, and those are, to 
 their praise be it said, entirely ladies. My 
 own opinion is, that it is, to us of the South, 
 the greatest business that has ever presented 
 itself. An old negro competent to feed 
 young children or chickens, with the aid of 
 a few small chaps, from four to eight years 
 of age, can make as much as grown hands 
 can in the field, and this without any ex- 
 pense of gin-house or machinery. J could, 
 without any building, open a cocoonery six- 
 ty-two feet long, and some twenty feet above 
 the earth the gable of my gin- house. The 
 hurdles, &c., could be packed out of the 
 way in summer time. [Gill's tent and cradle 
 better. I. R. B.] 
 
 It seems to me to be a business peculiarly 
 appropriate for the South. We can com- 
 mence feeding the 20th of April, (this year 
 16th, last year 24th.) 
 
 D. A. SABIN, Wallingford, Rutland Co., 
 Vt. I am but little acquainted with raising 
 or manufacturing silk, having but just com- 
 menced in the business, and that on a small 
 scale as yet ; and my object in this commu- 
 nication is to obtain information, not that I 
 think of giving it. 
 
LETTERS. 
 
 I now have about three acres of trees, 
 about half of which are the white, or Italian, 
 the others the alpine, one acre of which are 
 set in hedge form, the other for standard 
 trees, from which 1 have fed worms the 
 present season that have procured me 80 
 pounds cocoons, from which 1 have reeled 
 6 pounds raw silk, and have saved about 1 
 pound eggs, mostly of the pea-nut. The 
 worms were fed in an open building, so much 
 open that the wind would frequently blow 
 the leaves from the shelves, where the worms 
 were feeding, but still I do not think 1 lost 
 one in a hundred of what moulted the first 
 time. There was no disease among them. 
 
 The leaves to feed them were all picked by 
 two children, one eleven and the other twelve 
 years of age, during the last stage before 
 winding. I think the bounty paid by our 
 State well pays all expenses, with those who 
 manage it right. But here is the fact. I 
 am fully persuaded (at least, so long as this 
 bounty is continued) that five acres of trees, 
 of the age of mine, (four years from the seed,) 
 will produce more net profit than can be now 
 realized from 200 sheep, or from a dairy 
 of 20 cows; and 1 trust the time is not far 
 distant when the raising of silk in the United 
 States will be considered as profitable a busi- 
 ness as that of raising wool. 1 am of opinion 
 that all that is required to insure a good crop 
 of worms is to give them feed enough, and 
 barely protect them from the sun and rain. 
 
 P. S. I could have fed twice the number 
 of worms from my trees if I could have got 
 the eggs 1 wanted the pea-nuts. 
 
 REV. S. S. ARNOLD, Westminster, Vt. 
 My silk business this year is hardly worth 
 naming. The man who carried on my place, 
 put out his eggs rather late. The first lot 
 did tolerably well, but from some cause he 
 did not put out more than half, or one third, 
 enough. The next lot were not healthy, so 
 that we had only 4 pounds of reeled silk. 
 We fed in the same building as last year. 
 Close building, but well ventilated. Fed on 
 multicaulis, chiefly last part of the time 
 with hardier kinds, especially the first crop. 
 It appears to me, we should have had three 
 times as much silk if the eggs had all been 
 put out together at first. Mr. Clark, of 
 this town, had good success the first crop, 
 and poor the second. Mr. Adams, of Wai- 
 pole, N. H., had one small crop only, but 
 very healthy and good. I have lately seen 
 Mr. Gleason, of Newport, N. H. He is on 
 the place formerly owned by Mr. Messenger. 
 Mr. Gleason tells me that he has had very 
 good success this year. He has fed none 
 but the four- weeks sulphur considers them 
 altogether the most healthy and profitable. 
 He has fed almost wholly on multicaulis, 
 and prefers this to other kinds of trees. His 
 worms were from eggs of his own keeping. 
 As 1 understood, he has not over four acres 
 of trees, and those not large ; and he thought 
 he should make sewing-silk, from his own 
 cocoons, enough to realize two hundred 
 dollars. 
 
 WM. C. FREEMAN, Wyoming, Wyoming 
 Co., JV. Y. 1st. I have fed worms four 
 years : the first year, 1840, fed but few 
 good success. 2d year, fed early, worms 
 wound first of July, cocoons good, 15 bushels. 
 3d year, fed but few early for want of eggs 
 
 good success late crop poor, cold and 
 rainy. 4th year, 1843, eggs hatched too 
 early, bad success ; 2d crop, worms healthy 
 
 cocoons light cannot account for it. 
 
 2d. I feed in a frame building, merely en- 
 closed, made for that use. The temperature 
 I regulate, keeping the room warm enough 
 for the worms to work. 
 
 3d. I have never fed in an open shed, but 
 I have seen others do it with good success. 
 
 4th. I prefer the Nankin pea-nut, or mam- 
 moth sulphur. 
 
 5th. I use the multicaulis, principally ; 
 Broosa and common white are very. good, 
 but the facility with which the leaves are 
 gathered, together with the greater amount 
 of foliage, renders the multicaulis far prefer- 
 able to any other tree, in rny estimation. I 
 have managed many different ways. The 
 best with me is to let the trees stand, cut 
 the tops close in the spring, mellow the ground 
 with a corn drag or cultivator, not destroying 
 the roots. In this way you will get a num- 
 ber of shoots, and more than twice Sie amount 
 of leaves, than to let the tops remain on. 
 
 6th. From my experience, and that of my 
 acquaintance in the silk business, I should 
 decide in favor of early feeding, if not too 
 early. 
 
 7th. In some cases of bad success in the 
 business, there has been too much experiment 
 in feeding. 
 
 8th and 9th. Not able to answer. 
 
 10th. The greatest trouble with us is in 
 keeping eggs ; they either hatch too early, or, 
 if kept back by being put into an ice-house, 
 they are most always lost, or, what is worse, 
 hatch only to be sickly and amount to noth- 
 ing. If we could keep our eggs good, we 
 could do the fair thing in western New York. 
 The silk business is a good business, rightly 
 conducted. 
 
 P. S. As this is the first time that I ever 
 attempted to write upon this subject, you 
 must take the facts, and fill out as you shall 
 judge best. [No need of that, friend Free- 
 man ; all right as it is. I. R. B.] 
 
 OLIVER MITCHELL, gouth Britain, Ct. 
 I have been doing a little at silk for four 
 years. Have raised four or five bushels per 
 year of cocoons, and sold them. I have been 
 increasing my trees, intending to make it a 
 business, but my worms have often died. 
 My building is not sufficiently ventilated. I 
 am desirous next season of trying the plan of 
 open shed feeding. What constitutes an 
 open shed ? Is simply a roof over the worms, 
 all that is wanted ? 
 
 [We refer Mr. M. to Mr. Gill's description. 
 I. R. B.j 
 
 ABIAL S. SMART, Springfield, Vermont. 
 I will inform you as near as I can the situa- 
 
LETTERS. 
 
 45 
 
 tion of our silk business in this place. There 
 are quite a number in this place that are try- 
 ing to do something, but not all with very 
 good success. I think that we have not got 
 upon the right way of feeding, i have seen 
 some notice of Mr. Gill's method of feeding. 
 I should like to get a plan of it, or some in- 
 formation on this subject. We want a mar- 
 ket for cocoons have somewhere from fifty 
 to seventy-five bushels in this vicinity, in a 
 number of hands. There are more within 
 five or six miles of this place, but I cannot 
 say whether they will sell them or reel them. 
 There is one man that has raised five hun- 
 dred pounds. 
 
 JOHN MARSH, Southbridge, Mass. In the 
 spring of 1840, I planted about one quarter 
 of an acre of mulberry-trees, principally mul- 
 ticaulis, and have averaged from them about 
 three pounds of reeled silk each year since ; 
 although they have winter-killed badly two 
 winters. I have raised this year enough for 
 four pounds of reeled silk, and could have 
 raised as much more if I had had good eggs. 
 I have used many kinds of worms, but can- 
 not determine which is the best. I have al- 
 ways fed in a tight room, have not had any 
 good conveniences, and have been somewhat 
 troubled, in the last stages of feeding, by their 
 turning yellow and dying. I have come to 
 the conclusion, that this is attributable to 
 keeping them too thick and not giving them 
 sufficient air. I have not kept any account 
 of expenses, but am inclined to believe, if we 
 could have encouragement by a bounty from 
 the State, until we could have time for ex- 
 perience and improvements, the business of 
 raising silk would become both profitable 
 and useful. I shall, therefore, multiply my 
 trees. 
 
 JOHN D. Dix, Ithaca, JV. F. I received 
 your Silk Circular some days since, and take 
 the first opportunity upon recovering from a 
 severe illness to answer, briefly, your ques- 
 tions, or as many of them as I can satisfacto- 
 rily to myself. 
 
 To Question I, I answer, I have fed worms 
 three years, and the general results have been 
 favorable. The second year better than the 
 first, and this year better than both together. 
 I )v:ive raised forty bushels this year, at an 
 expense of $70, which is about the amount 
 of premium 1 have di^iwn from the State, 
 leaving me the amount received from the 
 sale of cocoons as so much made. 
 
 Question 2. The first year, I used the up- 
 per rooms of my house, badly ventilated, and 
 was very careful to shut the windows nights, 
 and build a fire cold days all lorong. Sec- 
 ond year, third story of store, long room, win- 
 dows at each end no artificial heat win- 
 dows closed in cool weather. Third year, an 
 old ropewalk and barn, from which I took 
 off boards all round, and let the air circulate 
 freely night and day in all kinds of weather 
 very few diseased worms. Spun in thirty 
 days, and made the best cocoons I ever saw. 
 I also fed the leaves as they came from the 
 
 trees, wet or dry ; used lime freely, and 
 changed the litter but once during each age. 
 
 To Question 3, I answer no, but think it 
 would do well. 
 
 Question 4. The Mirabel Jaune or mam- 
 moth Nankin pea-nut. 
 
 Question 5. Multicaulis, and heretofore 
 they have managed themselves. Hereafter 
 I intend to cut them down close to the ground 
 in November, and lay down the tops at the 
 same time, instead of waiting till spring. 
 
 Question 6. I have : the difference is 
 greatly in favor of early feeding ; for in- 
 stance, from two ounces hatched 17th June, 
 I obtained 135 pounds of the very best co- 
 coons I ever saw. From 4 ounces hatched 
 June 28, I obtained 213 pounds, not quite 
 equal to the first. From 4 ounces hatched 
 July 10, I obtained 112 pounds, decidedly in- 
 ferior to the first, though good. 
 
 Question 7. The causes of bad success in 
 feeding that have come under my observa- 
 tion, are, 1st. Want of the pure air of heaven. 
 2d. They do not generally have sufficient 
 room on the shelves. 3d. Their food is kept 
 too long in cellars or some other vile place, 
 where it gets wilted or dried up. Give silk- 
 worms plenty of food fresh from the trees, 
 plenty of room on the shelves, and plenty of 
 pure air, and then do not handle them too 
 much, and there is no difficulty in raising 
 them successfully. 
 
 B. B. BARTON, Gill, Mass. 1 com- 
 menced feeding silk-worms in the summer 
 of 1840. Have continued in the business 
 ever since. 
 
 The first season I purchased one ounce of 
 eggs of the large pea-nut variety, which 
 were fed upon the foliage of the white mul- 
 berry in the early part of the season, and 
 produced between 80 and 90 pounds of co- 
 coons, and, after selecting 8 or 10 pounds for 
 eggs, reeled 7< pounds of silk. 
 
 The second season I hatched two and a 
 half ounces of eggs, which produced 189 
 pounds of cocoons. These were fed upon 
 the leaves of the white mulberry, and hatched 
 about the middle of June. 1 also fed a sec- 
 cond crop with the leaves of the white 
 mulberry and multicaulis, which wound 60 
 pounds of cocoons. The two crops, after 
 selecting one bushel for seed, reeled 21 
 pounds of silk. 
 
 The third season, 1 fed about as many 
 worms as the second, with nearly the same 
 success. 
 
 My success the present season has been 
 good, though taken as a whole not quite as 
 favorable as heretofore. My first crop the 
 early part of the season were healthy and 
 did extremely well, producing 190 pounds 
 of good cocoons. I did not succeed as well 
 
 ith the second crop, of about 30,000, being 
 busy attending the first crop, that were wind- 
 ing. They were neglected and fed very ir- 
 regularly in the first stages, and the different 
 days' hatching became mixed, which caused 
 them to be uneven. They commenced wind- 
 ing the 21st of August. The weather was 
 
46 
 
 LETTERS. 
 
 very rainy and they did not do first-rate, but 
 wound 80 pounds of cocoons. I also fed 
 another lot of about the same number, which 
 did extremely well until they commenced 
 winding, which was the llth of September ; 
 the weather, at that time, had become quite 
 cool, witli some frost. The building was 
 closed, and by means of artificial heat the 
 temperature kept between 70 and SO degrees. 
 Nearly two thirds went up and wound good 
 cocoons, far superior to those of the second 
 crop. The remainder did not appear to be 
 affected with any sweeping disease, but most 
 of them turned to chrysalis, without forming 
 any cocoon. This crop wound only fifty Ibs. 
 of cocoons. The two last crops were fed ex- 
 clusively upon the mullicaulis. From the 
 cocoons raised the present season, 1 have se- 
 lected two bushels for eggs, reeled J7 pounds 
 of silk, and have cocoons enough to produce 
 four or five pounds more. 
 
 The building in which I have fed is about 
 18 feet in length, by 14 in width, and 7 feet 
 between the posts. There are four windows, 
 one upon each side of the building, which 
 enables me to ventilate it freely. Unless the 
 weather is cold, I allow the windows and 
 doors to remain open during the day, and some 
 of the windows during the night. 
 
 1 have not paid much attention to regulat- 
 ing the temperature. When it was cool and 
 damp, I have generally used artificial heat. 
 
 I have never fed in an open shed or tent, 
 but have no doubt but the plan would prove 
 successful in the early part of the season. 1 
 should have tried the experiment the present 
 season, had it been convenient. 
 
 1 have fed two kinds of worms, the large 
 pea-nut and the sulphur variety ; though 
 principally of the pea-nut, which I consider 
 more hardy, and less liable to disease, than 
 the sulphur though my sulphur worms 
 have generally done well. 
 
 The trees used are the white mulberry and 
 multicaulis. The multicaulis have never 
 winter-killed to any extent, and I usually 
 let them remain, during the winter, as they 
 grew during the summer. 
 
 I have always been more successful with 
 early crops of worms than with late. My 
 cocoons made by early crops have invariably 
 yielded more silk than those produced by late 
 crops. 
 
 From my own experience, I am con- 
 vinced, that, in order to insure good success, 
 the cocoonery should be well ventilated, the 
 worms obtained from a healthy stock, and 
 fed as much as they will eat. 
 
 I am sanguine in the belief, that, as people 
 become experienced in the rearing of silk- 
 worms, it will be a profitable branch of 
 business. 
 
 JOSEPH McHANNAN, Macks Hill Cocoonery, 
 near Reading, Hamilton Co., Ohio. In an- 
 swer to the inquiries you make in your Silk 
 Circular, I give you the following : 
 
 I have fed worms the four last seasons, on 
 too small a scale to learn the habits of the 
 worm; did but little this season gathered 
 
 somewhat over one hundred pounds of co- 
 coons. 
 
 My building is a frame, boards matched, 
 floor above and below can be closed per- 
 fectly tight have a stove in the building, to 
 regulate the temperature. 
 
 1 have not fed in tents or open buildings. 
 
 The orange cocoons are the easiest to reel, 
 the fibre being the strongest. The pea-nut 
 produces the most silk to the bushel, but it ^ 
 takes more worms to make a bushel. The 
 white pea-nut, 4000 make a bushel, weigh 
 fourteen pounds when first gathered. The 
 Nankin pea-nut, 3600 make a bushel, weigh 
 thirteen pounds. The mammoth-sulphur, 
 3000 make a bushel, weigh ten pounds 
 nine ounces, when first gathered. 1 preier 
 the pea-nut for my own reeling; a bushel 
 makes more raw silk ; but the mammoth- 
 sulphur, to sell by the bushel. The pea-nut 
 has nine hundred yards of fibre, the mam- 
 moth-sulphur six hundred yards, a little 
 coarser. 
 
 I use the multicaulis ; trees that are de- 
 signed for planting, take up in the fall, lay 
 them in layers, cover with earth, keep them 
 from touching much, cover the heap with 
 boards to turn the water off. In the spring, 
 cut off the limbs and roots, lay them in fur- 
 rows, cover with a plough. They are more 
 sure to come, than if they stand out over 
 the winter. If any miss coming, bend down 
 the limbs of the next to it, cover it with 
 earth, and it will take root, then cut it off, 
 and it is a tree. Cultivate them the same as 
 corn. In the spring, cut all the dead wood 
 off. Be sure to cut to the quick. They do 
 better to do it after the buds show them- 
 selves. I have cut the limbs three times 
 from a part of my trees this season. They 
 are now full of leaves again. The more they 
 are cut, the more branches will shoot out, 
 and produce more foliage, if the land is 
 strong. 
 
 I have found no difference in early and 
 late feeding, myself, though my last worms 
 were a failure. One of my neighbors, 
 Mr. Rogers, has been feeding all summer. 
 His last worms wound up September 20 ; he 
 says, they did as well as the first. They 
 were the mammoth-sulphur, fed in an open 
 barn, on board shelves; took the weather as 
 it came ; were healthy, and wound up well. 
 
 I believe 1 can give the cause of the loss 
 of my last worms. My first two crops did 
 well, the third were kept in a close room till 
 past their third moulting; many had died 
 when they were taken to the cocoonery. 
 My fourth crop were then coming on in the 
 cocoonery ; it rained, and turned cool. The 
 third crop would not wind, but wandered 
 about. I darkened the room, but it did no 
 good ; I built a fire in the stove, they did 
 better ; but the building had to be closed to 
 warm it. My young worms were then 
 twelve days old, had passed their third 
 moulting. I never saw any thing to equal 
 them. They all came out of their moulting 
 within three hours of each other, each time, 
 on the fourth, eighth, and twelfth days ; ou 
 
LETTERS. 
 
 the twelfth day, the building was closed ; on 
 the fifteenth, they commenced dying by 
 thousands ; at first, I could not account for 
 it, but soon found the cause was the want 
 of fresh air; threw part of them away; 
 put the rest out, and let it rain on them two 
 days and nights; put them back, let them 
 dry, covered them with lime, and they com- 
 menced eating ; a part wound up. The dis- 
 ease they had was the yellows. The worms 
 they came from had no yellows among them 
 for three years before. 4 
 
 To retard the eggs, roll the papers in 
 cotton-batting, place it in a tin box, not air- 
 tight, put batting around it, put it in a 
 wooden box, close the box, put it in an ice- 
 house, in among the ice, even with the top 
 of the box, and cover it eighteen inches with 
 straw. My eggs, kept in that way, came out 
 perfectly dry, and did not hatch for twenty 
 days, the best sign of being well kept. 
 
 I think the post-office department might 
 make some arrangement to carry silk-worm 
 eggs at, say twenty-five cents per ounce, at 
 most, while they carry mammoth news- 
 papers for one and a half cents. The same 
 weight of silk-worm eggs, would cost three 
 or four dollars. It is a severe drawback on 
 the business, and, 1 think, it might be rem- 
 edied. 
 
 1 have not known an instance where 
 worms were fed in any quantity in a close 
 room, that they did well. It will not do to 
 feed worms with tough, yellow leaves ; it 
 binds them up, and, instead of spinning, they 
 turn to giubs, and waste their silk. Farmers, 
 that two years ago laughed at the silk- 
 humbug, as they called it, are beginning to 
 make some inquiry on the subject. They 
 are getting their eyes open. We have no 
 bounty on silk in this State now, and there 
 is no way to come at the amount produced 
 this year; but it must be large, from what 1 
 can learn from different parts of Ohio. 
 
 DR. DANIEL ST EBB INS, Northampton, Mas- 
 sachusetts. I give the following answers 
 to your several questions : 
 
 I have fed worms for seven or eight years, 
 with the sole view of showing that it could 
 be done. This year made twenty-five to 
 thirty pounds of silk. 
 
 This season I erected a new cocoonery, 
 in the midst of a mulberry patch, forty-two 
 by twenty posts eight feet out of ground, i 
 Roof covered with boards and battened, the 
 sides and ends covered with slats three inches 
 wide, and half an inch apart, extending from 
 the eaves to the ground. Floor of earth. 
 [Not air enough. I. R. B.] 
 
 Adjoining the above is a tent ioho j ly 
 covered with bass matting ; through which 
 the rains had a free passage. The success 
 of the tent was superior even to the co- 
 coonery. 
 
 Have fed for several years in an open 
 shed, in the barn-yard, but nothing to ex- 
 clude birds and fowls ; in other respects, the 
 experiment was successful. 
 
 For. making silk, the pea-nut variety has 
 
 the preference, being less incumbered with 
 floss, less gum, more length, lustre, and 
 strength of fibre, than other varieties, as 
 testified by a skilful silk-dyer, at a Court 
 appointed for taking depositions to be used 
 in a trial pending in Nantucket, Mass. 
 
 Having the black, white, Canton, Asiatic, 
 Broosa, multicaulis, and some other varieties, 
 I have not found any to excel the Canton 
 for its foliage, and the Asiatic for its abun- 
 dant branches. The foliage of the Canton 
 continues to the latest season in greater per- 
 fection than any other. 
 
 That our soil and climate are peculiarly 
 adapted to the growth of the Canton mul- 
 berry', was suggested by Dr. Parker, when 
 recently in the United States, on being 
 shown, at my office, the foliage from my 
 plantation, the stock of which was sent me 
 from China, as the very best used in China 
 for making their best silk. 
 
 The tree grows more rapidly in this conti- 
 nent than in China. In Jamaica, where it 
 was taken by Mr. Whitmarsh, it attains the 
 height of fifteen to twenty feet in one season, 
 unless headed down every three months, as 
 is there the practice. But in China it is 
 represented to attain only about four feet in 
 the season ; with us, some have grown six 
 to eight feet in a season, after being headed 
 down in the spring, and growing in dry soil, 
 enriched by the decomposition of the foliage 
 on its surface. I do not know of any com- 
 post so enriching, as the foliage of the mul- 
 berry. 
 
 An early crop of worms is preferable to a 
 late crop. The foliage becomes abundant 
 the latter part of the season, but is very 
 unfit for the worms, being too rancid or de- 
 prived of its richness by drenching or long- 
 continued rains. 
 
 It was my expectation and intention, to 
 test the use of the mulberry foliage, both in 
 its green and dry state, for making paper; 
 and for that purpose had sent a quantity to 
 the paper-mill, but cannot have the experi- 
 ment fully tried at present. 
 
 It is hoped that another year will enable 
 silk-growers to render a good account of 
 mulberry foliage for making paper and of 
 the bark of the young branches for the same 
 purpose, or for making silk fabrics. 
 
 These objects being accomplished, togeth- 
 er with the well-established improvements 
 for feeding worms, and the multiplication 
 of the silk-tree, to meet the present destitu- 
 tion of the country, then shall we be pre- 
 pared to push vigorously for the mark of 
 $50,000,000 worth of silk yearly the mark 
 set up by the American Institute. 
 
 P. S. To show the excellence of the Can- 
 ton mulberry, I subjoin the following re- 
 cords of an experiment made three years 
 since, by my wife and daughters. 
 
 One of my daughters asked me one day 
 if she might not feed exclusively with the 
 Canton ; I asked the reason ; she said, that 
 she found that the silk-worms would leave 
 the foliage of the multicaulis and other va- 
 rieties to feed upon the Canton, if that 
 
48 
 
 LETTERS. 
 
 foliage was on the table. I asked if it was 
 really so. The answer was affirmative. I 
 then asked the others, if they had noticed 
 a similar preference ; each replied in the 
 affirmative; not having so many Cantons 
 then as of the other varieties, I permitted 
 the eldest to have her request, and she took 
 one shelf from that time, to feed exclusively 
 with the Canton, and the change was per- 
 ceptible very soon ; these worms evidently 
 increased in size more than any others 
 which were fed on different foliage ; so 
 much so that visitors noticed the difference, 
 and said it ought to be published in the 
 papers. In these early days of feeding, we 
 had daily visitors from distant parts of the 
 country ; and when the cocoons were finish- 
 ed, I invited seven gentlemen to examine 
 them ; at which time there happened to be 
 present two gentlemen from the South, (silk- 
 growers.) Rev. L. D. Hatch, of Green 
 Co., Alabama, and Dr. B. Hill, of North 
 Carolina, who, with other gentlemen of 
 town, were invited to examine the case. 
 The scales were produced, and S. Wells, 
 Esq., clerk of Court, was appointed to try 
 them by the scales ; all of the gentlemen 
 were of unexceptionable character, and dis- 
 interested. 
 
 But Mr. Wells tried various weighings, 
 and selected the largest of each kind, fed 
 on promiscuous varieties the result was, 
 that five cocoons of the Canton feed were 
 as heavy as eight cocoons fed upon foliage 
 of the other varieties. 
 
 JACOB PRATT, Sherburne, Massachusetts. 
 I was not able to keep as many worms 
 this summer as I had intended to do, in 
 consequence of the June frost; and as my 
 hall which I feed in is well ventilated, I 
 have not tried the experiment of open feed- 
 ing. But my experience has taught me 
 that a free circulation of air, night and day, 
 is indispensable for the health of the worms. 
 My hall is about 30 feet by 18 in the second 
 story, over my wood-shed, having nine win- 
 dows, which let down at the top, and raise 
 at the bottom ; also an opening on the sides, 
 one foot wide, with blinds, which may be 
 opened or shut at pleasure thus securing 
 any quantity of air desired. Thus, you will 
 perceive, that I have fed my worms almost 
 as open as tent feeding, as I keep the hall 
 open night and day. The lot of worms 
 which I kept this season were fed by my 
 two daughters, with the exception of a few 
 of the last days, (the oldest fifteen years of 
 age,) which they did, besides helping do the 
 work in the house, in the same time. The 
 worms were of the sulphur kind, and come 
 off about the first of August, making be- 
 tween 80 and 90 pounds of cocoons of the 
 first quality. 
 
 It has been my object, from the first, to 
 make the silk business a part of my farming 
 business, in order to prove, if possible, that 
 every farmer that has a family of children, 
 may raise silk without interfering essentially 
 with their other concerns, after a little ex- 
 
 perience in feeding. I feel confident that, 
 if farmers would devote one or two acres of 
 land to raising trees and feeding from them, 
 they would get more profit than from raising 
 corn or potatoes, and with less labor. 
 My answers, therefore, are : 
 
 1. I have fed worms, more or less, for 7 
 years, with good success the last years, and 
 always good when fed the fore part of the 
 season. 
 
 2. Building as above stated. 
 
 3. I prefer the sulphur kind, on account 
 of their being more hardy. 
 
 4. I use the white and the multicaulis. 
 
 5. I have proved to my satisfaction that 
 every thing depends on early feeding, in this 
 part of the country. 
 
 6. There have been quite a number of 
 persons in this vicinity, who have tried to 
 raise worms, but have failed on account of 
 keeping them too close, and not having suf- 
 ficient feed. 
 
 I have not manufactured much except 
 what I have raised myself, which I make in- 
 to sewing-silk. 
 
 JOHN MAYER, Niconza, Miami Co., Indi- 
 ana. We raised, in Wayne Co., Ohio, and 
 manufactured into sewing-silk, something 
 over $200 worth, the last three years. We 
 also reeled some, and had it wove for ladies' 
 dresses, at Mount Pleasant, Ohio, by Mr. 
 Gill, a sample of which I enclose. [A su- 
 perior article. I. R. B.] In answer to the 
 last inquiry, I reply that I am fully con- 
 firmed in the opinion that silk-growing and 
 manufacturing are worthy the attention of 
 American citizens, and that silk will soon 
 be a staple product. There are several others 
 in Wayne Co. engaged in this business. 
 
 JONAS N. SMITH, Jiddison, (near Chimney 
 Point,) Vt. We stand alone, in our town, 
 experimenting a little in growing silk for 
 our own curiosity and benefit, as well as the 
 benefit of the community, if, through our 
 small experiments, they may in any way be 
 benefited. 
 
 Fed, this season, six thousand worms, sul- 
 phur color, from white and multicaulis pro- 
 miscuously ; weight 18 pounds. Some sick- 
 ened and died, owing to want of proper ven- 
 tilation, and crowded too thick on the shelves ; 
 fed in a small room with one door and one 
 window; [six hundred enough for such a 
 room. I. R. B. ;] weather warm, door 
 closed, window but few inches raised. One 
 morning found worms sink and vomiting ; 
 took up two hundred for dead ; placed them 
 on a board in an open wood-shed ; next day 
 showed signs of recovering; ordered them 
 fed ; most of them recovered, and made good 
 cocoons almost in the open air. 
 
 Inclosed I send you one dollar, as my mite 
 to help on your efforts to establish the grow- 
 ing of silk in New England. The multicau- 
 lis bubble has burst : the path to perseverance 
 is clear ; and Yankee enterprise will not suf- 
 fer the silk-grower to retrace his steps. 
 
LETTERS. 
 
 ELDER DAVID MITCHELL, Greenwood 
 Farm, (near Piqua,) Miami Co., Oliio. 
 Your Circular has just been put into my 
 hand ; and 1 hasten to lay before you such 
 facts as have come under my observation. 
 
 I have been feeding three years, but on a 
 very limited scale, simply for making exper- 
 iments. I have fed in my own dwelling- 
 house, in an open stable with a ground floor, 
 and succeeded well in both cases; but the 
 worms arrived at maturity one week sooner 
 when in the house, the apartment being kept 
 much warmer; but the worms were not 
 healthier than in the stable; they did ex- 
 ceedingly well, except this season. One crop 
 was injured by the children's heating the 
 apartment too much ; and the consequence 
 was that they were taken sick and about 
 half died. I used air-slacked lime profusely 
 once a day, which completely stayed the 
 disease with a part, and 1 never saw health- 
 ier and larger worms, and they spun the 
 largest cocoons. I prefer the mammoth sul- 
 phur. I use the multicaulis ; cut the leaves 
 while the worm is in its first stage ; then 
 whole leaves on a shelf, and during the two 
 last moultings give them the whole tree on 
 a frame, and they turn down and spin in 
 the brush. 
 
 I have always found July feeding to be the 
 most successful. I have now six acres of 
 multicaulis, planted last spring, and intend 
 increasing to fourteen acres in a year or 
 two. I intend planting in squares two feet 
 and half apart, that they may easily cultivate 
 both ways. [Altogether too thick, as the 
 mulberry-leaf requires sun and air to be fit 
 food for worms. I. R. B.] 
 
 I have just returned from a visit to Rich- 
 mond, Indiana, where they have been feed- 
 ing a few years, and have commenced man- 
 ufacturing. You will hear from them. 
 They have some beautiful specimens of 
 shawls, vesting, dress patterns, thread, &c., 
 &c. 
 
 In looking over the present Tariffbill, I find 
 that raw silk is but 50 cents per pound. 1 
 think that quite too low, and Congress should 
 be memorialized on the subject. 
 
 From what experience and information I 
 have on the subject of the silk business, I 
 believe that silk will soon become a staple 
 commodity of American industry. I have 
 some silk thread, manufactured by Mr. Til- 
 inghaste, of Dayton, Ohio, which is pro- 
 nounced by good judges to be a first-rate ar- 
 ticle. He has a very simple spinning and 
 reeling machine, made in that place, and 
 bids fair to do a good business. It is moved 
 by water-power. 
 
 A number of people in these diggins have 
 been cruelly bit by the multicaulis 5 specula- 
 tion, and all cry out humbug at me for at- 
 tempting to raise silk. I know of no person 
 engaged in the business within thirty-five 
 miles of this place. But, notwithstanding 
 their jeers and sneers, I am determined to 
 persevere, until I astonish some of the na- 
 tives. 
 
 I am now engaged in farming, and intend 
 5 
 
 the growing of silk for the present as an ap- 
 pendage ; but I expect soon to make it the 
 principal business, and just raise stock and 
 grain enough for family purposes. 
 
 I will be anxiously looking for your Report 
 at the proper time. 
 
 JEFFREY HUTCHINSON, Brooklyn, JV. Y. 
 I use the Singapore, or large Nankin, pea-nut 
 worm. The eggs are larger, and of course 
 produce stronger and healthier worms, than 
 the other kinds. I think this worm will pro- 
 duce twice as much silk as any other kind I 
 have ever used. 
 
 Answers to the Circular. 
 
 1. Four years. Not successful until I got 
 the right kind of worms. First year 30 Ibs. 
 cocoons. Second year 90 Ibs. Third year 
 130 Ibs. Fourth year 311 Ibs. 
 
 2. Building two stories, 15 by 20 feet. I 
 warm it by furnaces, &c., while the worms 
 are winding. 
 
 3. No. 
 
 4. Singapore, or Nankin, pea-nut ; large 
 size. 
 
 5. Morus multicaulis. .No other is worth 
 the trouble, in comparison. 
 
 6. Succeeded best by early feeding, until I 
 got the Singapore. Since then, I have done 
 well in late feeding. 
 
 7. Yes. Loss by neglect in feeding, clean- 
 ing, &c. 
 
 8. No. 
 
 9. No. 
 
 10. We make all into sewings ; sell it for 
 four cents a skein. It is preferred by many 
 to Italian. 
 
 Question : What do you think of the silk- 
 culture for the United States ? 
 
 Answer : I think that, as a national busi- 
 ness, there is none more profitable. 
 
 P. S. To hatch the eggs, I take the rolls 
 of paper containing them to bed with me 
 ten or fourteen times, and it does the thing. 
 
 HORACE JANES, Cornwall, Vt. It is 
 about ten years since we commenced feed- 
 ing worms. The most we have fed in any 
 one year is about thirty thousand ; the pres- 
 ent year about twelve thousand. The re- 
 sults, since the first year or two, have been 
 uniformly successful. 
 
 We use a wood-house chamber, which is 
 so open that we cannot do much to regulate 
 the temperature, and have attempted noth- 
 ing more than to close the windows in cold, 
 damp weather ; think that is all that is ne- 
 cessary. 
 
 I prefer a kind of worm we have fed some 
 two or three years, which was brought from 
 Springfield, in this State, without any dis- 
 tinctive name. They are superior to those 
 that have been sold in this vicinity. They 
 are a large, grey worm, making a sulphur- 
 colored cocoon. Their age I have not no- 
 ticed particularly, but think the winding 
 mostly completed in six weeks. 
 
 I use the Italian white. They were set 
 out in rows six feet apart, and three feet 
 apart in the rows, and cultivated as long as 
 G 
 
50 
 
 LETTERS. 
 
 they would admit of it. Since I stopped cul- 
 tivating, they have gradually declined, and I 
 have been thinning them out with a view to 
 commence cultivating them again. 
 
 I have a few of the Alpine, which I like 
 well. 
 
 I have fed early. As far as my knowledge 
 extends, late feeding, in this region, has not 
 been successful. 
 
 We have, from the commencement, 
 wrought all our cocoons into sewing-silk ; a 
 few of the first year's on a common wheel, 
 since then on a machine I had of John T. 
 Truman, Esq., of Cornish, N. H., and we 
 make a good article and fair profit. 
 
 I have never used the multicaulis, as I 
 have always supposed it would not an- 
 swer in our latitude, but hope I may yet be 
 mistaken. If it can be made to endure our 
 winters, and come forward in season to carry 
 through a crop of worms by the middle of 
 August, it will do : I doubt whether here we 
 shall find it profitable feeding much after that 
 time. 
 
 I hope that, in the promised Report, the 
 compilers will be careful to designate the 
 place or latitude in which any experiment 
 has been made, when that will be likely to 
 have any influence, that silk culturists in 
 different parts of the country may have an 
 opportunity to judge whether it would be 
 likely to succeed in their particular location. 
 
 HARVEY LOOMIS, Otisco, N. Y. 1 have 
 this year fed a few worms, the hatching of 
 what I procured from two thirds of an ounce 
 of eggs, laid on paper, and taken from an ice- 
 house the 20th of June. My eggs all hatched 
 the first week of July. I fed them on the 
 Italian and multicaulis together, without cut- 
 ting the leaves, for about three weeks. I 
 fed mostly wet leaves when I fed multicau- 
 lis, as my trees were small, and the leaves 
 would get dirty by the beating of the rains, 
 so that I washed them before feeding. Af- 
 ter that time I fed from the Italian trees, 
 by cutting the sprigs and sprouts, and lay- 
 ing them on for about two weeks, and then 
 fed mostly the multicaulis until they wound. 
 
 My place of feeding was a ball-room in a 
 public house, and on tables covered with pa- 
 pers. The windows were provided with 
 blinds, so that 1 could shut the blinds and 
 open the windows at pleasure. 
 . When they indicated a desire to wind, 1 
 
 frovided them with bushes of various kinds; 
 used cedar, chestnut, oak, walnut, beech, 
 maple, and bass-wood, arid I think the bass- 
 wood the best of the whole : the leaves are 
 large, and do not curl much, and, by setting 
 them up close, the worms will crawl in be- 
 tween the leaves and deposit their cocoons 
 frequently four or five on a leaf, so that it is 
 very easy gathering them. The floss comes 
 off very clean, and, there being plenty of 
 room, very few double ones. 
 
 The earlier the worms are fed after the 
 leaves start, 1 think, the better. It has 
 proved invariably the case ; the latest-fed 
 worms in this vicinity have been nearly or 
 
 quite a failure. I intend to reel my silk, and 
 have provided myself with the Piedmont 
 reel for the purpose. 
 
 IRA ROWLAND, Pleasant Valley, Dutches* 
 Co., JV. F. I have had but little experience 
 before the present year. I had calculated on 
 feeding several crops, but the frost we had 
 in June injured my multicaulis to such a de- 
 gree that 1 was under the necessity of cut- 
 ting them down and hoeing them out, which 
 prevented me from hatching my worms be- 
 fore 28th June. I then hatched about 40 or 
 45 thousand. I fed them the first three 
 weeks on the Italian, the remainder of the 
 time on multicaulis. When about three 
 weeks old, they were too much crowded, in 
 consequence of not having my feeding frames 
 finished in season to separate them, which 
 produced disease among them before I was 
 aware of it; by the free use of lime I soon 
 checked it. 1 had about 35 thousand, which 
 wound very well; commenced winding in 
 four weeks from the time they hatched, and 
 produced 101 Ibs. of cocoons. 
 
 The building used was a carriage-house, 
 20 by 24 feet ; it was ventilated by three lat- 
 tice window-blinds, two at the north and one 
 at the south. I use no thermometer. 1 
 never have fed in an open shed. I fed the 
 mammoth pea-nut ; that kind, I believe, is 
 generally preferred. I have a nursery of 
 Italian rnulberry-trees about seven years old ; 
 they are planted in drills about six feet apart. 
 I have two acres of multicaulis, which con- 
 tain about 20,000 trees. 
 
 DAVID S. HOYT, Decrfield, Franklin Co., 
 Mass. 1st. I have assisted in feeding worms 
 nearly every year since 1828. 
 
 The general results were favorable ; our 
 worms being usually healthy, and producing 
 good cocoons. 
 
 1 however recollect one very hot season, 
 when the worms, being kept in a close cham- 
 ber, were unhealthy ; and the cocoons that 
 were made, although they appeared well, 
 would not produce a single miller. 
 
 Another season, a healthy crop of worms 
 were just ready to wind, when a violent 
 thunder-shower came on, one night, with 
 more vivid lightning and louder thunder 
 than usual. The next morning at least nine 
 tenths of the worms lay entirely motionless, 
 from which state they never recovered. We 
 supposed this effect was caused by electrici- 
 ty, but never have heard of a similar case. 
 [Was the room closed ? I. R. B.] 
 
 The 20th of July, this season, I hatched 
 half an ounce of eggs, of the pea-nut kind. 
 
 Kept them in the~house for the first eight 
 or ten days, and then removed them to the 
 granary or corn-house, a building boarded 
 tight on three sides, and quite open on the 
 west, with a large door in the south. The 
 temperature was not regulated at all. 
 
 The half ounce of eggs produced two and 
 a half bushels of excellent cocoons. 
 
 I never have fed in an open shed or tent ; 
 but I am satisfied that a tent, with the aides 
 
LETTERS. 
 
 down, during cold, rainy days, and cold 
 nights, would be sufficient protection for the 
 worms. 
 
 The sulphurs and the pea-nuts are the 
 only kinds of worms I have fed. I am sat- 
 isfied that the large pea-nuts and large sul- 
 phurs are the two best varieties ; and that 
 there is little difference between them as to 
 profits. 
 
 1 use the white mulberry, principally ; have 
 a few Cantons, from which 1 cut nearly all 
 the young twigs and shoots. 
 
 The winter frequently kills all the young 
 wood that has grown the preceding season, 
 and occasionally some more. My trees are 
 large, and my method of gathering foliage 
 is as follows : With a large knife I commence 
 at the lower branches and trim off the 
 leaves and shoots, leaving only enough to 
 keep the tree alive. The trimming is effect- 
 ed by striking with the knife instead of cut- 
 ting. 
 
 I have not noticed any difference between 
 early and late feeding. I am told, how- 
 ever, by men of experience, that there is a 
 difference. 
 
 1 did not lose three per cent, of my late 
 crop the last season, and am satisfied that 
 those worms that have attained their full 
 size, when attacked by the yellows, should 
 not be destroyed. Let them be taken out 
 of the cocoonery as soon as the disease ap- 
 pears, and be placed on winding shelves. 
 They will seldom eat after the disease ap- 
 pears ; therefore the only thing that can be 
 done with them is to place them in a differ- 
 ent air, and where they can easily wind. 
 With this treatment, about thirty-three per 
 cent, of my yellow worms produced tolera- 
 bly good cocoons. 
 
 1 have ascertained by experiment that one 
 hour's immersion in boiling ley will produce 
 such an effect on the young shoots of the 
 Canton mulberry, that the bark may be 
 push:d off" with the hand. 
 
 Water, as far as 1 have observed, has no 
 effect of this kind. I also ascertained that 
 boiling ley, poured on to the smaller shoots 
 in a cold vessel, and allowed to remain six- 
 teen or eighteen hours, would produce the 
 aame effect. 
 
 But, notwithstanding the ease, rapidity, 
 and certainty of this operation, I do not think 
 it worth much, for it does not separate the 
 green bark from the white substance that we 
 want, neither does it seem to be easily sepa- 
 rated in any way. 
 
 Silk may be raised in New England by 
 every person who owns, or can hire, land. 
 The experiments in feeding, and indeed in 
 every part of the business, within two or 
 three years past, have established facts enough 
 with regard to the proper management of 
 worms to enable any person of moderate in- 
 genuity to become, with a little attention, a 
 successful silk-grower. 
 
 If cloth tents or sheds prove to be sufficient 
 protection for worms, and Mr. Gill's feeding 
 cradle is what he thinks it is, the silk busi- 
 
 ness must speedily become as extensive as 
 any business in the United States. 
 
 LEONARD AND HEPSY FARGO, Pittsford l 
 Vt. l will state a few facts respecting the 
 silk business, from our own experience. We 
 were the first that brought silk- worms and 
 mulberry-trees into this section of the coun- 
 try. My native place is Connecticut, and 
 my employment, when young, was to make 
 silk. My father moved to Vermont, where 
 there was not a mulberry-tree or a silk- worm 
 scarcely ever seen. I brought some silk with 
 me, of my own manufacturing, which the 
 people rather disputed that I made it by 
 worms. I still had the same anxiety to 
 feed silk-worms. I was confident I could 
 make silk in Vermont as well as in Con- 
 necticut, if I could get the leaves. Accord- 
 ingly, I sent to Boston and obtained two 
 ounces of white mulberry-seed, and sent to 
 Connecticut and obtained one hundred eggs, 
 of which I saved only forty. The second 
 year J fed five hundred, the third year nine 
 thousand, the fourth year thirty thousand, 
 and had leaves enough to feed as many more, 
 but not house-room. We have to manage 
 differently here from what they do at the 
 South. Our springs are backward ; it makes 
 our second crop late. I am now reeling. 
 This is the fifth day. I have reeled fifty 
 runs. 1 have twenty thousand more to reel 
 this week. I will send you a specimen of my 
 silk, and should be highly gratified to attend 
 the Convention, but the distance, and multi- 
 plicity of business, forbid. 
 
 We believe the silk business to be good, 
 and that it will prosper. 
 
 MADAME BALD WIN, New Haven, Ct. [lam 
 somewhat at a loss whether I am at liberty to 
 give the following extract from a letter re- 
 ceived from Dr. Stebbins a day or two after 
 he returned from the Convention. But, on 
 the whole, I risk it. The exhibition which I 
 made of the silk journal of Dr. Stiles at the 
 Convention, the interest which this old mon- 
 ument of his industry and philanthropy awa- 
 kened, the fact that there were then some 
 fifty families in New Haven engaged in the 
 business, and now the fact that we have dis- 
 covered a connecting link between that gen- 
 eratio^|f silk-growers and the present 
 more ei^ecially, to preserve and bring into 
 use the good lady's plan of winding ; -4- all 
 this must be my apology, if the case needs 
 one. I. R. B.] 
 
 " At New Haven, I called on the lady of 
 Judge Baldwin, who fed worms at the time 
 of President Stiles, who daily visited her and 
 them. She had good success, and was as 
 enthusiastic as the President himself. She 
 was the daughter of the great Roger Sher- 
 man. She is (as the Judge said) in favor of 
 shelf-feeding ; but, on explaining to her the 
 cradle-system of Mr. Gill, she acceded to its 
 superiority. She was greatly in favor of her 
 own plan of a winding apparatus, viz., to fold 
 paper like a fan. She said the worms would 
 
52 
 
 LETTERS. 
 
 readily ascend and form cocoons close to 
 each other, from top to bottom, in each fold. 
 This fan must be suspended over the worms 
 the wide-spread part within their reach 
 a good contrivance. I was delighted with 
 the good lady's description of olden time," 
 &c. 
 
 JOHN W. AVERY, Morrisville, Madison 
 Co., JV. F. I have been engaged, in a small 
 way, in the silk business for about four years ; 
 the first two years experimenting on the cul- 
 tivation of the mulberry, the different vari- 
 eties, being doubtful at first whether the soil 
 and climate where I reside would suit that 
 shrub, and at the same time we fed a few 
 worms. The results satisfied me that the 
 silk culture is practicable in this region ; and 
 accordingly I made my calculations to go 
 ahead in the business. Last year, we (that 
 is, my family) started with what we esti- 
 mated to be about 20,000 worms, of the grey 
 sulphur variety ; fed them on shelves in the 
 chamber of our dwelling-house. The worms 
 were healthy and made good cocoons ; sixty- 
 two and a half pounds was the weight, from 
 which was reeled six and one fourth pounds. 
 We fed from the white mulberry at first, and 
 closed up with the multicaulis, used no lime. 
 Manufactured the silk into sewings. It was 
 said to be equal to the imported ; the manu- 
 facturer obtained the first premium at the 
 County Fair. We had to go two miles for 
 most of our leaves. 
 
 This season we concluded to feed what we 
 could from our own stock of mulberry, which 
 was small. We therefore commenced with 
 about eight or ten thousand worms, which 
 were hatched about the 18th of July. 
 
 The worms soon discovered signs of dis- 
 ease, and we daily lost some of them, not- 
 withstanding we made a free use of lime, and 
 other remedies, such as vinegar and water, 
 with tansy and wormwood soaked therein, 
 sprinkled upon the worms, and the herbs 
 laid about upon the shelves, until after the 
 fourth moulting. From that time they had a 
 better appearance, and made good cocoons, 
 which weighed eighteen and a half pounds, 
 from which was reeled two pounds, besides 
 some saved for seed. These were fed in the 
 chamber, and mostly on the multicaulis. I 
 have enlarged my stock of mulhwpy this 
 season, so that I shall have abOTe three 
 fcwfUhs of an acre to use next year, and a few 
 of the white mulberry. I intend to in- 
 crease my stock of multicaulis, and erect a 
 suitable building for a cocoonery. 
 
 The soil of land where my trees grow is 
 not the best. It is a reddish loam, inclining 
 to clay, which holds the water too long ; but 
 it is the best I have. Some of the roots 
 winter-kill. I cut the tops off in the fall, 
 and save them to plant. There is no other 
 person doing any thing at the silk business 
 in this town, though there are some making 
 small preparations for the business, through 
 my influence. Others are waiting to see 
 those get rich, as they say, before they go 
 into it. 
 
 Skepticism and doubts are vanishing, and 
 many are inclined to consider it a practicable, 
 if not a profitable, branch of business. 
 
 By sending me any publications relating 
 to the silk business, you will greatly oblige 
 one who Avishes information 011 the subject, 
 and who believes it to be a great national 
 enterprise. 
 
 E. L. NEWTON, Mhens, Georgia. I have 
 been engaged only two years in the silk busi- 
 ness. I have a very fine orchard of the mul- 
 ticaulis, of about 7 acres ; the trees are four 
 years old. I have a cocoonery 36 by 40, two 
 stories, and well filled with shelves ; and, 
 under every shelf, lattice- work for the worms 
 to wind in. Last year I made about ten 
 bushels of first-rate cocoons, but, not being 
 acquainted with the process of reeling, 1 did 
 but little with them. My main object, how- 
 ever, was to ascertain what could be done in 
 raising silk-worms, so as to have a succession 
 of crops : which was satisfactory, and which 
 I deemed of great importance to the ultimate 
 success of the business. As our seasons in 
 this climate are much longer than they are 
 in your State, it gives us a decided advan- 
 tage in the number of crops we can raise in 
 the season. Our climate, I presume, also 
 suits the multicaulis better ; as our winters 
 are more mild and not so long, our trees are 
 not injured at all except the tops, which are 
 not matured. Our first crop hatched about 
 the 1st of April ; as they commenced wind- 
 ing, I exposed the second crop of eggs, which 
 I had kept in an ice-house ; and so also with 
 the third; and I believe a fourth crop might 
 be made in a season, as we seldom have a 
 frost before the 10th of October. Thus the 
 hands may be employed during most of the 
 year in feeding and reeling. And while on 
 this subject, I will express my strong con- 
 viction of the wonderful adaptation of the 
 multicaulis to the business. I had not a suffi- 
 cient number of worms to consume all the 
 foliage ; I thereupon required the hands to 
 feed from a particular part, so as to make it 
 very bare. This would put out a new set of 
 foliage, which would be in time to supply 
 the next crop with young and tender leaves, 
 suitable to the age of the worm. This I con- 
 sider an important discovery, as the young 
 worm would scarcely be able to subsist on 
 the old, tough leaf. 
 
 1 have the black and the white worm, 
 which produce variously-colored cocoons, 
 viz., sulphur, orange, white, green, and Nan- 
 kin. I have also the pea-nut, but, not being 
 able to reel, I am not prepared to say which 
 variety is the best. I plant my trees about 
 five feet apart, in rows, and cut every other 
 row down, each year, within about six or 
 eight inches of the ground. Early feeding 
 has been with me the best. 
 
 A decided and growing interest is felt in 
 our State on this subject, and particularly in 
 our village. I have many friends and neigh- 
 bors who are looking to me to get informa- 
 tion, desirous to know my success. And 
 one object I have in this communication is 
 
LETTERS. 
 
 Greely & McElrath, of New York, have just 
 published a work on Silk, (I send Mr. N. a 
 copy,) admirably suited to just such cases. 
 Chapter on Reeling, p. 53; Drawing of a 
 Reel, p. 58. I. R. B.] 
 
 DR. DYER STORY, Windsor, Vt. I send 
 
 to solicit your aid in procuring a suitable per- 
 son, who may be relied on, to come to this 
 place and undertake the business. I would 
 prefer a young man, if such can be procured, 
 who is acquainted with the process of reel- 
 ing as well as of feeding. Several hundred 
 bushels of cocoons might, and would be 
 made, in this neighborhood, if they could be 
 
 disposed of. One family, within seven miles you a brief statement of what two of the 
 of this, has made thirty yards of beautiful younger members of my family have done in 
 silk, and have made it up into ladies' dresses, 
 and it is not inferior to the best French or 
 English in appearance. Many others have 
 made considerable sewing-silk, which is said 
 to be superior to the imported article. All 
 we lack is a person who understands reeling. 
 Send us a reel, and a person who can use it, 
 
 and we will succeed. 
 
 1 know great prejudices exist in the North- 
 ern States against the health of our Southern 
 States. But our village is healthy. We are 
 at the head of one of the branches of the 
 Georgia rail-road ; our place is destined soon 
 to be a place of great business, and has for 
 many years been the resort of those seeking 
 health, so that undoubted evidence may be 
 obtained of the health of the place. 
 
 I would be pleased to receive a copy of 
 your contemplated Report. 
 
 [I give the above interesting letter almost 
 entire. I give it as an expression of the 
 feelings cherished extensively at the South, 
 and Southwest, and West confidence in 
 the merits of the silk business, and afc ardent 
 desire to get practical reelers from the East, 
 and reels. To all which Mr. N., I know, will 
 allow me to say two things: (1.) Good 
 reelers are hard to be got, even here, and ask 
 high wages higher than the business will 
 fairly justify still higher, to go five hundred 
 or a thousand miles. (2.) We will, any of 
 us, cheerfully buy and send you a good reel : 
 price from $5 to $10, according to kind pur- 
 chased. But I can point out to you, and 
 others similarly situated, a better way. It is, 
 to take a drawing of a reel and make one 
 yourself, or set any mechanic of ordinary 
 ingenuity at it. Then take any active, per- 
 severing female, (white or colored,) and offer 
 her a suitable reward, to awaken and fix an 
 interest : say, if you please, offer her the 
 avails of the first pound of silk that she will 
 reel so as to be worth $5, and you have done 
 the thing. You have got your reel and your 
 reeler. What though she may waste or in- 
 iure a bushel or two of cocoons in the pro- 
 cess ? That is nothing. Any girl of quick 
 perceptions, interested in the matter, can do 
 this thing, and do it well in three to six days, 
 and in three to six weeks do a day's work. 
 In this connection I would say, that Messrs. 
 
 ;he silk business the present season. 
 
 The eggs from which the worms were 
 latched were laid upon papers, which were 
 folded up, and hung upon a beam in the 
 cellar, until the opening of the spring, when 
 they were removed to a hole dug in my 
 cellar, large enough to receive a box four 
 feet square, made of inch boards, and sur- 
 rounded with spent bark from the tanneries, 
 on the sides and beneath, about six inches 
 thick. The top of the box, which is even 
 with the bottom of the cellar, is furnished 
 with folding doors. Here they remained till 
 about the 10th of July, when those for the 
 first crop were brought up and exposed, and 
 in due time produced their worms, the pro- 
 of incubation not having commenced 
 till thus exposed. And here 1 will take oc- 
 casion to remark, that what remained were 
 taken out on the 25th September, and ap- 
 peared in as good condition as when put in. 
 This crop was fed upon the leaves of the 
 white mulberry, were very healthy, and pro- 
 duced forty-one and a half pounds of cocoons. 
 A part of these worms were fed in an out- 
 building, 16 feet square, boarded with rough 
 boards, and the crevices battened with half- 
 inch stuff, to render it somewhat warmer, 
 and to prevent the rays of the sun from fall- 
 ing upon them. This room was ventilated 
 by opening a window, four feet square, on 
 the west side, and by a large door which was 
 open when any one went in ; but, when no 
 one was present, it was kept shut to keep 
 hens out. After the third moulting, the 
 worms were fed upon frames, covered with 
 straw, first with branches and afterwards 
 with leaves ; and although not cleansed after 
 this time, they were perfectly healthy, not 
 one per cent, dying from disease or sickness 
 of any kind. The rest of this crop were fed 
 in the chamber of my wood and carriage- 
 house, one window in each end, and the floor 
 made of loose boards. They were fed on 
 solid board shelves, and although not cleans- 
 ed after the third moulting, they were as 
 healthy as the others. They spun their co- 
 coons in three different kinds of fixtures : 
 1st. In roofs, suspended over the feeding- 
 frames, made of very thin laths, cut by a 
 circular saw, having mounting ladders, made 
 of the same materials, an eighth of an inch 
 thick and one and a half inch wide. These 
 they readily climb, and thereby enter the 
 roofs. 2dly. In shelves, made of half-inch 
 boards, six inches wide, long enough to cross 
 the feeding-frames, and a ledge nailed across 
 each end, about an inch thick ; so, by placing 
 a sufficient number on the top of each other, 
 they form a convenient retreat for the worms, 
 
LETTERS. 
 
 which they fill with their cocoons, and 
 which are easily gathered. These shelves, 
 however, should be divided lengthwise by a 
 thin lath ; which, rendering the aperture 
 more dark, and presenting more angles to 
 attach their floss to, they would be less dis- 
 posed to wander about, before commencing 
 their cocoons. 3dly. In straw. Small bun- 
 dles about as large as the wrist, and long 
 enough to stand upright between the feed- 
 ing-frames, being tied near the lower end, 
 and the top spread out, and the straw crum- 
 pled and bent in various directions, afford 
 them great facilities for attaching their co- 
 coons, and which they seem to prefer to any 
 other. An hundred and twenty 1 picked 
 out of one of these small bundles. A second 
 crop have now nearly completed their spin- 
 ning, and have been about as healthy as 
 the first : although, from their having been 
 crowded too thickly upon the shelves, some 
 of them were not of course full fed, and, in 
 consequence, lagged behind till disease and 
 death overtook them. These errors must 
 be avoided next year. 
 
 I have thought proper to give this brief 
 account ; for, although the operation is small 
 and unimportant, yet it shows what may be 
 done on a more extended scale. I have 
 read, and thought, much upon this business 
 for the last ten years, and have been fully 
 convinced that it will ultimately become an 
 object of great national importance, and that 
 our silk product will one day be second to 
 no other ; and, had it not been for a con- 
 tinual press of professional business, I should 
 at this time have been fully engaged in the 
 business. 
 
 CYRENIUS HAIT, Somerset, Pulasld Co., 
 Ky. 1st. I have been feeding silk- worms 
 for three years in a small way, in a common 
 building, without any way to regulate the 
 temperature at all. 
 
 2d. The first year I fed the greater part 
 of our worms on the black, or native, mul- 
 berry. The silk was strong, but not as 
 glossy and fine as the two last years. While 
 we have fed on the multicaulis, our worms 
 have done far better than I had reason to 
 expect, as the only knowledge I had was 
 drained from the Silk Journal. 3d. I have 
 never fed in an open shed. 4th. I think the 
 pea-nut variety preferable to any I have 
 tried. 5th. I am now cultivating the mul- 
 ticaulis, and am well pleased with that 
 variety : have about 15 acres well set, and 
 they stand the winters well. I intend top- 
 ping to what we call low-branch, as the 
 leaves are larger and more convenient to 
 gather. 6th. Our early feeding has general- 
 ly done the best. 7th. The only difficulty, 
 with our neighbors, seems to have originatec 
 from want of cleanliness and room ; say in 
 4th age, sometimes a room shut tight over 
 night. 8th. Have no knowledge of the use 
 of mulberry for paper. 9th. I never have 
 seen any thing like water-rotting mulberry 
 for any purpose. 
 
 I purchased a Piedmontese reel in Phil 
 
 delphia three years since, and reel all our 
 
 wn silk, some of which I send east to find 
 a market. I suppose fifty pounds will be 
 something like the amount I shall reel this 
 season, besides what we use for sewings in 
 this neighborhood. 
 
 I shall be able, after the legislature con- 
 
 enes, to give an entire account of all silks 
 grown in our State, as the receipts will 
 
 how, through the Auditor of Public Ac- 
 counts. 1 have no hesitation in saying, that 
 
 "Ik is to give employment to multitudes in 
 the United States. 
 
 JAMES UNDERHILL, Constantia, Orange 
 Co., JV. Y. I am a silk-grower. In 1S40, 
 [ fed about 500 worms with good success. 
 In 1841, 1 succeeded in raising 39 pounds co- 
 oons. Did middling well. I had no place 
 for keeping them but the chamber of my 
 log-house. Some died ; but my inexperience, 
 and want of a suitable place, explains the 
 whole. Convinced that the silk business 
 would be a permanent business in this coun- 
 try, I entered into partnership, in 1842, with 
 Curtis R. Cable, for four years. The fi *st 
 year the building was new and green, and 
 very damp. My worms died very much. I 
 succeeded in raising 159 pounds. Our co- 
 coonery is eighteen feet wide, eighty-eight 
 feet long, one and a half stories high ; a 
 ground-floor, well ventilated at the top and 
 bottom, by means of a swing-board, so as to 
 open a space nine inches wide from one end 
 to the other, top and bottom. But 1 did not 
 give fr^h air enough, kept the ventilators 
 shut nights, and when the weather was cool ; 
 but I have learned that one cold night, un- 
 less it is cold enough to freeze the worm's, 
 will not hurt them, it only renders them 
 torpid and stops the growth ; but worms 
 will not be as likely to be sickly in a tem- 
 perature of 65 as 75 ; but will spin much 
 sooner in a temperature of 75 than 65. 
 In 1843, I have already gathered 390 pounds 
 cocoons, although I have had some losses. 
 My first crop did well, 1 had 249 pounds 
 cocoons. My second, although I hatched 
 twice as many eggs, made but 131 pounds 
 cocoons. My third was as large as my 
 second, but I shall not have more than 25 
 pounds cocoons. But I have a large crop 
 of worms, my fourth crop ; they moulted 
 the second time, September 16th, and are 
 doing first-rate. I think I shall make a 
 living this year, and that is about all. But 
 I am not discouraged. We sent to Connec- 
 ticut and got a young woman to come and 
 learn us to reel ; my wife and daughter are 
 reeling daily. They reel three-quarters of a 
 pound per day, and it looks very well. We 
 have reeled already 38 pounds of silk. 1 
 prefer the Sina mirabel worms ; they are, 1 
 think, much hardier than the pea-nut. 
 
 There are several persons in the business 
 within a mile of this village, and several 
 more that intend to do something at feeding 
 next season. Lyman Sperry has raised ris 
 ing of 40 pounds of cocoons this season 
 had some bad luck ; fell short of leaves ; had 
 
LETTERS. 
 
 his worms crowded. Miss Cable fed two 
 crops with good success ; had 70 pounds 
 cocoons, principally the Sina mirabels, and a 
 few of the Nankin inirabels. Sareno Clark, 
 Esq., has fed a few as his first crop, and had 
 14 pounds cocoons ; his second crop has 
 done lirst-rate, lost scarcely a worm, and had 
 21 pounds cocoons. Sina mirabels, or white 
 miraoels. William Wright has raised a few 
 cocoons last year and this year with good 
 success. 
 
 1 find, by experience, that sifting a coat 
 of quicklime on the shelf before putting the 
 worms on, will prevent the latter from get- 
 ting damp and sticking to the shelf. I have 
 used some lime on my worms, and think it 
 good. It absorbs the moisture, and keeps 
 the skin of the worm dry. I have used 
 chloride of lime, standing about in dishes, 
 this season. 1 think it is very good. I feed 
 on multicaulis exclusively, about eight acres 
 of trees ; two or three acres have been stand- 
 ing three years, the rest were planted in 
 the spring of 1842. They are planted in 
 rows, 3 feet apart by 2 feet. They were 
 all cut off to the ground last spring. They 
 are now from 3 to 6 feet high. Our trees 
 killed down in the winter; but if they did 
 not, I should cut them off every spring. 
 The ground was in good order when they 
 were planted. It has not been manured 
 since, but has been well tilled. 
 
 M. P. H. JONES, Carthagena, Mercer Co., 
 Ohio. I am one of the colored settlement 
 in this place. We have forsaken the cities, 
 and the employments in which we were 
 formerly engaged, and in which so many of 
 our brethren are still engaged, and have 
 taken up lands, believing this to be the best 
 course for ourselves and our race. We 
 wish to be something, and therefore we 
 must do something. 
 
 We are engaged in general farming. 
 Some of us have thought a good deal about 
 silk. Some silk publications have fallen in 
 our way. Some friend at the East has sent 
 us two or three copies of the Report of the 
 New England Silk Convention. We ac- 
 knowledge the receipt of them with glad- 
 ness. We have also seen some of Mr. Gill's 
 letters, published in the Cross and Journal. 
 I read some of these silk documents before 
 a portion of our settlement. They are in- 
 terested. How much they will do I cannot 
 say. Our friend A. W. is in the business, 
 in a small way. I intend to see what I can 
 do in the matter, and give the business all 
 the encouragement in my power. We want 
 information on the subject shall be thank- 
 ful for any thing of the kind, or any thing 
 else that tends to our elevation, 
 
 JAMES LANDERS, Lee, Mass. I have fed 
 silk-worms, on a limited scale, for four years 
 past. The first year, I fed the two-crop 
 variety ; and, as it was the first effort, they 
 did, as we thought, remarkably well. I had 
 to go abroad so much after feed, that there 
 was no honor or profit in the business, ex- 
 
 cept to learn how to avoid being caught in 
 such a scrape again. The building 1 used 
 is a chamber under the roof, and a very b^iii 
 place it is, 1 assure you. 1 had no way 01 
 regulating the heat or cold, but by openmg 
 or closing two or three windows ; and it 
 silk- worms were not as sure a crop, un^-i 
 unfavorable circumstances, as any other, i 
 am sure I should have lost all of mine. 1 
 have this year fed a part of my worms in 
 an open shed ; and all the trouble 1 expi - 
 rienced from it was, that it waa too open, 
 having but little more than a temp >rar . 
 roof for a covering. My worms did well >u 
 this shed ; but I think they were a week 
 or ten days longer coming to maturity, ow- 
 ing to the coldness of many nights, and 
 some days, which prevented their ieeding 
 as fast as they would with a more even 
 temperature. Here I would state my opin- 
 ion, on this part of the subject, and it is 
 probably the sentiment of all who have had 
 four or five years' experience in feeding. It 
 is, that plenty of room, plenty of good fresh 
 leaves, and plenty of pure air, witli an even 
 temperature, will almost invariably produce 
 a rich crop of silk. I think Mr. Gill's Feed- 
 ing Cradle is a labor-saving machine in this 
 part of the business, a decided improvement 
 over every other plan of feeding. I would 
 suggest, in regard to a building for feeding, 
 a room similar to a drying-loft in a paper- 
 mill. They are peculiarly adapted to letting 
 in and shutting out fresh air at pleasure. 1 
 prefer the large Nankin pea-nut. 
 
 The kind of trees that I use, are the mul- 
 ticaulis, alpine, and Italian. As to the man- 
 aging of them, I keep the ground tilled be- 
 tween the rows, and take oft' leaves, and cut 
 off branches, to feed, as occasion requires. 
 I let them stand out through the winter, 
 and the tops that are killed by the frost are 
 headed down in the spring, and an abun- 
 dance of fresh stock comes up, looking like 
 a swamp. The multicaulis kills no worse, 
 with me, than the other kinds ; and I think 
 that if the ground is frozen hard they would 
 not be injured at all. I find that fruit and 
 other trees are injured the most, when there 
 is the least frost in the ground. In conclu- 
 sion, I would state, that it is my firm be- 
 lief that the raising of silk, in this country, 
 is destined to be one of the most honorable 
 and profitable employments that we can en- 
 gage in. 
 
 I. R. BARBOUR, Oxford, Mass. It is fif- 
 teen years since I began to examine the silk 
 business as a permanent branch of American 
 labor, and seven or eight that I have been 
 engaged in it more or less. The whole re- 
 sult is, an unshaken confidence in all the 
 great principles on which the business is 
 based. 
 
 My business has not been large. I began 
 with a $ 5 investment, and have grown co- 
 coons enough to make from three to thirty- 
 seven pounds of reeled silk in a year. 
 
 The results of my own labors are decided- 
 ly in favor of early feeding. Out of all the 
 
56 
 
 LETTERS. 
 
 crops that I have carried through by the 
 middle of August, 1 have never lost, by dis- 
 ease, five per cent, in any case. Not so with 
 later crops, generally, although this year my 
 later crops were healthy, and made first-rate 
 cocoons. My healthy crops have always 
 given me a better profit than any thing else 
 on the farm. 
 
 As to buildings, I have fed in a large open 
 garret, in a corn-house, and a carpenter's 
 shop. In 1840, built a regular cocoonery, 
 thirty by twenty feet, two stories high, with 
 ten windows in each story, and warmed by 
 a hot-air chamber in the cellar. In 1842, fed 
 a lot also in an open sited, and this year in a 
 tent, with cradles, on Mr. Gill's plan. The 
 result of the whole is, in my judgment, the 
 more air the better; only guarding against 
 sudden gusts of wind, that will disturb your 
 leaves or bushes. 
 
 As to ordinary turns of cold weather, in 
 our summer months, their effect is to render 
 the worms torpid. Of course, they will not, 
 in this state, eat and grow, and there is a 
 loss of time in getting them through ; and 
 this is the only loss to be apprehended. 
 Upon returning warmth, they revive, and go 
 on with their wondrous labors, apparently 
 uninjured by their temporary interruption 
 like the honey-bee, the house-fly, and other 
 insects subject to torpidity in a low tempera- 
 ture. 
 
 But, as I have given my views to the pub- 
 lic in full on this whole subject, in a very 
 valuable collection of Silk Documents, just 
 published by Messrs. Greely and McElrath, 
 New York, I pass to another topic, on which 
 your correspondents have said little, and on 
 which my experience has been quite full 
 and quite disastrous I mean, in the man- 
 agement of trees. I do this, because the 
 design of the Institute is to collect facts, as 
 they have occurred in the experience of 
 individuals, for purposes of instruction to 
 others, as the only way in which this or any 
 new business ever became successfully es- 
 tablished. To this end, it is essential that 
 we give the whole, blunders and all. Some 
 of our mistakes and blunders are chargeable 
 upon the mis-statements of interested dealers 
 in trees, seed, &c., and some to our own 
 want of experience and due consideration. 
 
 My first movement (1837) was wrong. 
 Bought a lot of mulberry-seed as " Genuine 
 Chinese Mulberry Seed," which proved to 
 be an inferior variety of the White lost 
 two seasons in getting started, and some 
 patience withal. In 1^39, planted one hun- 
 dred dollars worth alpine cuttings. Ac-, 
 cording to the " books," I was not to lose one 
 in fifty in the result, did not get one in 
 fifty I should almost as soon recommend 
 the propagation of oak bushes by cuttings, 
 as the alpine, or other hardy varieties of the 
 mulberry. Same year, planted Canton and 
 multicaulis. They vegetated very well, but 
 made a small growth. I had been taught to 
 believe, that the mulberry-tree would flour- 
 ish where nothing else would grow quite a 
 
 mistake. I took my trees up too ^arly, and 
 lost many the ensuing winter. 
 
 Thus far, 1 had been operating upon hired 
 lands. In 1840, began on the tarm where I 
 now live lands all sadly exhausted. Not 
 an acre on the farm that would give half a 
 ton of hay. I planted two acres, chiefly 
 with multicaulis and Cantons, by laying the 
 trees whole length in the furrow, manuring 
 them with a cheap compost, made principally 
 of peat mud, properly prepared. They did 
 well, and made an average growth of three 
 feet. Let them stand as they grew, and 
 they all wintered safely. In 1841, planted 
 three acres more, in like manner season 
 dry, average growth two feet left all out 
 as before. 
 
 But the winter of 1841 and '42 was very 
 open no snow, frequent and heavy rains, 
 with constant freezing and thawing. My 
 ground is a plain, very level, and the water 
 stood and froze in many places, trees not 
 ridged up with the plough in summer culti- 
 vation, as they should have been, on such 
 land, to guard against this danger. The re- 
 sult was, that I lost the whole of the three- 
 acre lot, and at least three fourths of the 
 other. 
 
 To me, this was a sad disappointment ; 
 and, for a few days in March, 1842, for the 
 Jirnt and the last time, I had feelings of uncon- 
 querable discouragement creeping through 
 iny frame. True, the winter had been pe- 
 culiar nothing like it for twenty years. 
 But just such winters may come again. In 
 this state, my first movement was, to des- 
 patch some twenty-five to thirty letters of 
 inquiry to silk-growers in New England. 
 The mails, in due time, brought me this re- 
 turn, that the injuries of the winter, severe 
 as it was, had been confined to trees planted 
 as mine were, whole and horizontally, on fiat 
 ground, without being ridged up, and those 
 of small growth. I was greatly relieved to 
 learn, that, in all cases where they had been 
 set deep, one root in a place, on dry, sloping 
 land, (or ridged, if flat,) rich enough to 
 make good extended roots the first season, 
 they had gone through the winter safely, 
 preeminently bad as it had been. 
 
 Feeling, therefore, that I then knew the 
 worst of the case, (as we could not have a 
 more unfavorable winter,) I went directly to 
 work, with augmented confidence, to repair 
 my loss. I ploughed up all my lands, saving 
 every live tree sent thirty-five to forty 
 miles and bought others, so as to plant seven 
 to eight acres, and thus began the silk business 
 anew in 1842, and began right. 
 
 As to trees, I prefer the multicaulis, the 
 large-leaf Canton, and the Asiatic. Managed 
 as indicated in the above details, they are 
 essentially safe from the perils of winter any 
 where between Canada and the Gulf of 
 Mexico. If not thus managed, they are in 
 danger any where and every where, where 
 it is cold enough for ice to form, and the 
 ground to freeze. It is not the degree of 
 cold that does the injury in this and similai 
 
LETTERS. 
 
 57 
 
 cases, but freezing and thawing. Everybody 
 knows that a peach-tree is more safe on the 
 north than on the south side of the wall, 
 and for the reasons here stated. I would 
 not, therefore, give a dollar for a full in- 
 surance on all my trees, if the thermometer, 
 in December, will drop down to twenty 
 degrees below zero, and stay there, until the 
 last of March. 
 
 As to the feasibility of the silk business in 
 this country, I have no doubt. I must un- 
 learn all that I have learned upon the subject 
 for fifteen years, undo all that I have done, 
 and unsay all that I have said unhinge 
 and upset all the abiding and fixed impres- 
 sions upon my own mind before I can begin 
 to doubt. 
 
 DR. A. SPAULDING, Zelionople, Pa. My 
 first feeding was in 1839, on a small scale, 
 by way of experiment success satisfactory. 
 
 1840. In Newport, Ohio, made three 
 hundred pounds of cocoons. Fed from the 
 white Italian tree, by cutting off the entire 
 limbs, which, I think, is the best way, as the 
 limbs shoot out again with surprising rapidi- 
 ty. We failed in reeling our silk for want 
 of experience and suitable apparatus ; and, 
 although we were not satisfied with our suc- 
 cess that season, it was because our expecta- 
 tions were raised too high by the wonderful 
 stories in " Silk Culturists," " Silk Farmers," 
 " Silk Growers," &c., &c., but can now see 
 that our success was great, and should have 
 been satisfactory. We fed in an open shed. 
 Worms, white and brown mostly white 
 very healthy. Fed early. 
 
 1841. Had charge of the New Lisbon 
 Cocoonery, Ohio. Fed about 1,000,000 of 
 worms, in a large, close room, without fire 
 temperature variable, from fifty to eighty 
 degrees, Fahrenheit sometimes a variation 
 of more than twenty degrees in as many 
 hours, and yet the worms grew rapidly until 
 the fourth age, when they appeared to be 
 less healthy. Did not wind well at the com- 
 mencement, but when about half had wound 
 up, my cocoonery was consumed by fire, 
 loss, $ 1000, since which time, I have had 
 no means to prosecute the business. I have 
 been teaching school for a livelihood, but 
 have been a close observer of the experi- 
 ments of others. In this place, the morus 
 multicaulis " madness " has almost destroyed 
 the silk business, and now, even to name the 
 hated thing, is a reproach and a disgrace. 
 
 In 1842, some half-dozen or more fed 
 worms here, but failed, from their t>wn inju- 
 dicious management. They fed, mostly, in 
 close, plastered rooms, and closed every ave- 
 nue to fresh air ; and when the worms were 
 about to wind, every worm that could be 
 seen raising its head, was picked off with 
 the hand, and removed from the feeding to 
 the winding shelves, and sometimes were 
 thrown a distance of some four or five feet, 
 as a boy would toss a ball. Thus they failed, 
 and then charged their failure to impractica- 
 bility. 
 
 But 1 am fully persuaded that the silk 
 
 business is practicable, and I would be glad 
 to enter into it with some one who has the 
 means, and would enter into it in the right 
 way, and be satisfied with a reasonable 
 profit. We have a silk-weaver here', who 
 says our silk is better than silk he used to 
 weave in London, where he wove for twenty 
 years. 
 
 I will now proceed to answer your ques- 
 tions in the Circular, as far as I can, and 
 those I cannot I will leave a blank. 
 
 Ques. 1. Ans. Three years. Satisfac- 
 tory. 
 
 Ques. 2. Ans. Open shed. Atmospher- 
 ic temperature. 
 
 Ques. 3. Ans. Yes. Result success- 
 ful. 
 
 Ques. 4. Ans. Probably the pea-nut is 
 best. 
 
 Ques. 5. Ans. Morus Alba cut off 
 the limbs. 
 
 Ques. 6. Ans. Yes. Early feeding is 
 best. 
 
 Ques. 7. Ans. Answered in the body 
 of my communication. 
 
 Ques. 8. Ans. No. I will ask our man- 
 ufacturer to do it. 
 
 I should be glad to meet you at the Con- 
 vention, and exhibit a model of my silk- 
 worm frame and hurdle, if I could ; but 
 misfortunes have pressed hard upon me, and 
 I am not able to meet the expense. I should 
 be glad to receive a copy of the anticipated 
 Report ; and if any one at the Convention 
 wishes an active partner in the silk business, 
 I would be glad that he write me on the 
 subject. 
 
 JOSEPH BELCHER, & SONS, Richford, Tio- 
 ga Co., JV. Y. In the spring of 1839, we 
 procured three thousand multicaulis mulber- 
 ry-trees, from the State of Connecticut, and 
 planted them in this town, from which we 
 reared a few worms of the sulphur kind, and 
 manufactured the silk into sewings, that sold 
 well in market. We have steadily increased 
 our stock of trees, and of silk. Last year, 
 we raised about one thousand pounds of co- 
 coons. This year, owing to some cause un- 
 known to us, we have not made quite so 
 much, but have still found it much more 
 profitable than other branches of farming. 
 Our building is thirty-six feet by fifty, three 
 stories high. We have only occupied the 
 two lower stories. We are now using, and 
 are much pleased with, Morris's feeding 
 and winding frames, particularly the latter. 
 We regulate the temperature by stoves in 
 the rooms, with pipe to conduct the heat 
 through the apartments. We have not fed 
 in open tents. * 
 
 After three years of careful experiment, in 
 the same room and with the same care, we 
 have come to the conclusion that the pea-nut 
 worm is altogether the best, and have changed 
 our entire stock for that variety. 
 
 We use the multicaulis altogether, and till 
 
 the ground as we would for corn ; then plant 
 
 in drills, by laying a continuous line of trees, 
 
 root and body, until this year; and this year, 
 
 H 
 
LETTERS. 
 
 the body only, which was severed near the 
 ground last fall, and buried in the open field, 
 by placing a layer of trees, and then a slight 
 layer of dirt, and so on until the heap was 
 raised as high as we wished ; and our crop 
 of young trees, this year, is as good as when 
 we have planted root and body both. We 
 find our account in cultivating well through 
 the season, in the increased amount of leaf 
 and growth of the tree. 
 
 \Ve have fed worms early and late, and 
 are altogether in favor of early feeding, our 
 early crops uniformly doing from 25 to 50 per 
 cent, better than the late ones. There are 
 several persons in this county that have 
 commenced the silk culture on a small scale, 
 and have had uniform success, except in late 
 feeding. 
 
 Our experience is, that the silk culture is 
 much the most profitable of any branch of 
 husbandry in this section of country ; and 
 we feel confident that it will, ere long, 
 spread through the Union, and become sec- 
 ond to none except the cotton-growing in- 
 terest, even if it does not take the lead of 
 that also. 
 
 It would give us great pleasure to attend 
 your Convention, but poverty prevents, and 
 we must be contented with this method of 
 casting our mite into the treasury of useful 
 knowledge and experience, on this truly in- 
 teresting subject. 
 
 EPHRAIM MONTAGU Y., Bdchertoicn, Massa- 
 chusetts. I have received the Circular to 
 silk-growers, and heartily approve of the pro- 
 posed Convention. I hope to be able to 
 meet with you. I feel a lively interest in the 
 silk business, and, for a number of years past, 
 I have had a good degree of confidence that 
 it will ultimately succeed, and be a rich and 
 permanent blessing to this country. I have 
 been engaged in it, more or less, for nine 
 years past. I commenced on a small scale, 
 and, as my trees multiplied, I enlarged my 
 operations. 
 
 In the spring of J840, the last week in 
 May, I planted 3000 roots, of the multicaulis 
 and Canton varieties, on one fourth of an 
 acre of land ; and, although the trees were 
 very small and backward the fore part of the 
 summer, still I was able, during the feeding 
 season, to pick from them upwards of 1300 
 pounds of leaves, with which I feed 40,000 
 worms, which made 126 Ibs. of cocoons, and 
 tip wards of ten pounds of raw silk, worth 
 $51 50. Cost of producing it $36, leaving 
 more than $60 net profit to the acre. With 
 the State bounty, I realized more than this. 
 In 1841, I produced in all over 600 pounds 
 of cocoons, and had pretty good success, ex- 
 cept losing some bushels of cocoons by curing 
 them with camphor, the quantity used being 
 too small. In 1842, I produced but 245 Ibs. 
 of cocoons, and reeled 13 Ibs. of silk, al- 
 though I hatched more worms, and be- 
 stowed upon them more labor, than I did the 
 year previous to get 600 pounds of cocoons ; 
 but the late frosts in the spring destroyed 
 
 the early feed, and the unusually cold nights 
 and heavy rains in August destroyed our 
 last crop, so that the result of that year's ef- 
 fort was, on the whole, rather unprofitable. 
 Still I was not discouraged, although sadly 
 disappointed ; and as my trees were a part 
 of them growing on my neighbor's land, for 
 which I had been paying ten to fifteen, and 
 even twenty, dollars an acre yearly rent, and 
 as he wanted them removed, in the spring 
 of 1843 I ploughed up about half of them, 
 and sold them to individuals in a neighbor- 
 ing county, who were commencing in the 
 business. Of course I was cut short in my 
 supply of feed, and concluded to feed a less 
 number until I could increase my supply of 
 leaves again. I commenced the 22d of June, 
 hatched about 4 good eggs and 1 poor ones 
 that did not pay their keeping. From the 
 four and a half ounces I had about 250 Ibs. 
 of good cocoons. They were fed mostly on 
 multicaulis and Canton leaves. I had to 
 buy about 1000 pounds of leaves. I found 
 no bad effects produced by changing from 
 one kind of feed to another, neither could 1 
 discover any difference in the silk. 
 
 I think I derived great advantage, this 
 year, by adopting the open-feeding system, 
 so far as I could, in my cocoonery, which is 
 in an airy place, and well supplied with 
 large doors and windows on every side. I 
 opened them all, and kept them open day and 
 night; except in a very few instances, in ex- 
 treme weather, or high winds, they were 
 partly closed. I used no artificial heat, but 
 let the worms take the weather as it came, 
 the thermometer varying from below 50 to , 
 upwards of 80 ; still the worms were very 
 healthy, and wound up well at last. We 
 had 300 pounds of cocoons, and I think we 
 shall have nearly 25 pounds of raw silk, be- 
 sides saving 15 ounces of eggs. 
 
 The expense of producing the silk this 
 year has been comparatively small, the most 
 of it being done in my own family. I paid 
 about $13 for leaves and hired help. I fed 
 but one crop this year, and I think, as a gen- 
 eral thing, early feeding is to be preferred \ 
 although, in 1840, my last crop was the best. 
 And now, in conclusion, I would say, that in 
 view of the general results of my efforts in the 
 business for several years past, it is my can- 
 did opinion that the silk business, if wisely 
 managed, can be prosecuted with as little 
 risk, and as great and I think greater profit, 
 than the raising of corn, rye, gutter or cheese, 
 wool or flax, or any of the common produc- 
 tions of the farm. 
 
 CHARLES B. CRAFTS, JVoodbury, Conn. 
 1. I have fed in a small way for three years, 
 and my success not very good. 
 
 2. I use a lartre machine-shop. It is well 
 situated for a free circulation of the air. 
 Temperature not regulated. 
 
 4. Prefer the pea-nut. 
 
 5. Use the multicaulis. 
 
 6. Early feeding is best. 
 
 7. I attribute my own want of success in 
 
LETTERS. 
 
 feeding to the richness of the soil on which 
 my trees stand. [More probably the close 
 chop. I. R, B.] 
 
 Questions addressed to manufacturers, I 
 answer thus : 
 
 1. Two years. 
 
 2. Sewings and twist. 
 
 3. My operations have been small. I am 
 now making arrangements to manufacture 
 one thousand pounds a year, with machinery 
 of my own invention. 
 
 5. Two hands. 
 
 6. American silk, well reeled, is best. 
 
 MRS. HARRIET MC-LANAHAN, Philadel- 
 phia, Pa. In 1841, the interest manifested 
 in the silk cause was very great ; not only 
 in raising the cocoons, but in finding a mar- 
 ket for them when grown. Seeing the ne- 
 cessity of a public filature,, to which all could 
 resort, and having the knowledge, (which I 
 had obtained, many years before, from Eu- 
 ropeans,) 1 was induced, for the good of the 
 cause, (and with some persuasion,) to step 
 out of private life into public, and in July I 
 opened my present establishment ; since 
 which time I have kept three and four reels 
 (out of six) constantly running, until the ex- 
 piration of the past year, with which the 
 bounty act on silk- growing and reeling ceased 
 in this State ; and I regret to say that the 
 non-renewal of the act seems, as far as I can 
 judge, to have struck a chill upon the silk 
 culture in this part of Pennsylvania. I have, 
 however, kept my filature open, " hoping still 
 in something onward." 
 
 In answer to your questions on growing 
 silk, I would say : 
 
 1st. In 1824, I fed, for amusement, 25,000 
 of the sulphur variety of the silk- worm, with 
 good success. I do not recollect a sick worm 
 among them. 
 
 2d. The building occupied was a frame, 
 rough-boarded, to keep oft* the storm ; board- 
 swinging window-shutters, that were occa- 
 sionally closed on the windward sides. Heat 
 not regulated. Time of feeding, May and 
 June. 
 
 3d. Have never fed in an open shed. 
 
 4th. I greatly prefer the pea-nut variety, 
 as producing most silk ; am also partial to 
 the two-crop white. 
 
 5th. In the above crop, I used the white 
 Italian mulberry. 
 
 6th. I think early feeding more congenial 
 with the nature of the worm than late. Dame 
 Nature is our best guide. 
 
 7th. I believe that failures often arise from 
 endeavoring to raise too many worms in the 
 same building; and also from not giving them 
 proper food at proper times. 
 
 8th. I have never tested the mulberry-leaf 
 for paper. 
 
 9th. Have had no experience. 
 
 10th. As you invite suggestions on the 
 subject generally, you will excuse me if I 
 offer one on a practice, which strikes me as 
 being pernicious to the well-being and final 
 success of these interesting little animals. 
 I refer particularly to noises of any kind 
 
 in the cocoonery ; and at any time, but more 
 particularly at the time of moulting. The 
 sound of a hammer, a sudden burst of laugh- 
 ter, or even loud talking, disturbs them. 
 Their food, also, is often throion on them, in- 
 stead of being laid down gently by them. 
 Any thing which causes them to start, and 
 more particularly in their torpid state, must 
 of course derange the order and process of 
 nature, &c., &c. The minutiae of their brief 
 existence cannot be entered into here. I 
 will only say, that I learned the feeding pro- 
 cess from Italians ; and that as much caution 
 was observed in entering the building, and 
 approaching the worms, as we use in visiting 
 the cradle of a sick infant at the crisis of 
 some dangerous disease. 
 
 In 1824, I spun on a flax wheel, from the 
 pierced cocoons, a sufficient quantity to make 
 several pairs of stockings, gloves, &c. One 
 pair of the stockings I yet have, which, at 
 that time, created quite a sensation. I have 
 been more or less engaged in it ever since, as 
 time or circumstances would permit, but only 
 for amusement ; never as a business till the 
 year 1841. In 1840, I was awarded a silver 
 medal by the Franklin Institute in Philadel- 
 phia, for reeled silk, with which 1 had amused 
 myself in my private room, without the re- 
 motest thought, at the time, that it would ever 
 meet the public eye. 
 
 My manufacture has been confined, thus 
 far, to sewings, saddler's floss, stockings, and 
 broad silks. 
 
 In the past two years and two months 1 
 have reeled 483 pounds of raw silk, made 336 
 pounds of sewings, &c., about two dozen 
 pairs of stockings, and 110 yards of broad 
 silk, both plain and twilled, for dresses. I 
 have clad myself in a suit of domestic silk, 
 from head to foot entire, every article of 
 which has been reeled in my filature. I also 
 received the award of a second silver medal 
 from the Franklin Institute, at their last ex- 
 hibition, for my sewing-silk, which, together 
 with a less quantity of raw silk, I furnished 
 them, amounting to 94 pounds. 
 
 As to capital invested, please accept the 
 truth, which is easier told than a fabrication. 
 I rented the building I now occupy, bor- 
 rowed my machinery, which was sent me 
 free of cost, and commenced business without 
 a dollar. When the cocoons which offered 
 were reeled, I took, as my fee, a portion of 
 the silk, made the whole up into sewings, 
 &c., for which I have found ready sale, and 
 paid over to the owners the highest market 
 price for their portion. The first year I paid 
 $5 50 per pound ; last year, $5 00. 
 
 I employ two hands to each reel, one 
 young woman and one child, all females; 
 sometimes supernumeraries to the number 
 of ten and twelve. 
 
 As to the quality of American raw silk, 
 compared with foreign, I have little experi- 
 ence, except with my own, which I know 
 has continued to command the highest market 
 price, and generally, indeed I may say al- 
 ways, from fifty cents to a dollar more per 
 pound than the foreign. I would also ob- 
 
LETTERS. 
 
 serve, that foreign manufacturers here, who 
 have worked silk reeled in my filature, have 
 given it a decided preference. A sample of 
 reeled silks and sewings, which I sent to the 
 National Gallery at Washington last year, 
 has been complimented as being equal to any 
 in the world. While on the subject of reel- 
 ing, perhaps I will be excusable for men- 
 tioning what to me often proves a source of 
 deep regret. 1 mean the inexperience of 
 those, in different sections of our country, 
 who reel their own silk, without knowing 
 the necessity of its being done in a particular 
 manner, to suit the manufacturer. Lots of 
 silk are frequently offered for sale, which, to 
 look at, appear perfectly good ; but, upon ex- 
 amination, are not saleable at any price, 
 because they cannot be worked. Hence 
 another cause of discouragement to the 
 grower. 
 
 In regard to the best tree for feeding, I 
 prefer the white Italian; I think the silk 
 stronger, and susceptible of higher lustre ; 
 and would recommend in all cases of multi- 
 caulis feeding, where practicable, that the 
 white Italian should be substituted from the 
 last moulting to the finishing. The other 
 varieties I am not acquainted with. 
 
 In the Tariff, the Act appears ambiguous : 
 " On sewing-silk, a duty of two dollars per 
 pound." u On raw silk, comprehending all 
 silks in the gum, fifty cents per pound." It 
 is currently understood, but I am unable to 
 say with what correctness, that sewings are 
 imported in the gum at 50 cents per pound. 
 If so, the duty of $2 50 per pound is more or 
 less defeated. Foreign sewings include gen- 
 erally from two to three ounces artificial 
 weight in the pound of thirteen ounces, or 
 about 20 per cent, illegal profit. The Amer- 
 ican manufacturer, even if so disposed, is un- 
 able to compete with this fraud, on account 
 of the small quantity dyed at the same time. 
 Foreign sewings are made from second arid 
 third quality silk, first quality being manu- 
 factured into fine fabrics. American sew- 
 ings are made from the first quality of raw 
 fsilk, and are admitted to be much stronger 
 and better. 
 
 As to the enterprise being feasible, I can 
 see nothing to prevent it. Our climate has 
 been sufficiently tested to prove that it can 
 be done. That the climate south of the par- 
 allel of 40 degrees is more congenial to the 
 worm, we may admit, having little need of arti- 
 ficial heat ; but if good cocoons can be grown 
 in the northern part of the State of New York, 
 why not in any part of our Union ? Our 
 population want LEADING on by State boun- 
 ties, and a protective tariff on silk, (that can- 
 not be evaded,) until, by their experience, 
 they become skilled in raising the worm ; 
 and my humble opinion is, that a crop of silk 
 will become as much a matter of course, with 
 farmers generally, as is their present crop of 
 wheat or corn. 
 
 In conclusion, I may say, that having ex- 
 tended my brief epistle to almost a volume, 
 it can scarcely be necessary for me (if even 
 admissible for ladies) to make my courtesy 
 
 at your Convention, clad in my 
 silk. 
 
 domestic 
 
 [The Secretary of the Institute sent a 
 special invitation to the author of this inter- 
 esting document, to attend the Convention, 
 clad in her domestic silk. The Convention 
 were pained to receive a note from her 
 afflicted husband, stating that she was dan- 
 gerously ill. I. R. B.] 
 
 ALEXANDER SMITH, Frcdonia, Chatauque 
 Co., JV. Y. I have been engaged for the 
 last six years in the culture and manufacture 
 of silk. I feel a deep interest in the success 
 of the enterprise ; and, having been one of 
 the first to engage in it in this county, have 
 watched its progress with solicitude, and am 
 much gratified to see it steadily advancing. 
 There have been about 13 or 14 hundred 
 pounds of cocoons raised this^year in the six 
 towns along the lake shore, which is, prob- 
 ably, three times the quantity ever raised be- 
 fore in one year. Several gentlemen are 
 preparing to feed largely next year, and many 
 others are making preparations to begin next 
 spring. From my own experience, I am 
 convinced that the soil and climate, in the 
 northern part of this county, is well adapted 
 to the culture of silk. The southern and 
 middle parts I do not think so good, owing 
 to their elevation, and more sudden change* 
 of temperature. I have come to the conclu- 
 sion, that silk can be profitably raised in any 
 district where Indian corn is cultivated to 
 advantage, as the season which suits one is 
 perfectly adapted to the other. 
 
 The worms fed in this vicinity the two 
 years preceding this were very sickly, owing, 
 I believe, principally to want of leaves, and 
 want of skill in those who fed. This year, 
 they have been remarkably healthy, with 
 some very few slight exceptions. The co- 
 coons raised here are all made into sewings ; 
 none have ever been sold out of the county, 
 to my knowledge. I have manufactured, 
 probably, two thirds of the cocoons raised in 
 the county for the last four years, and many 
 from Pennsylvania. I have a reel, twisting- 
 machine, and spooling-frame, all of my own 
 invention, and all work admirably. The 
 reel can be made for six dollars, and, for sim- 
 plicity, durability, and facility of reeling, I 
 think has not been exceeded. 
 
 My twisting machine may be made to 
 drive any number of spindles. It may be 
 turned by hand or by water. It twists a 
 smooth, even thread, is very simple in its 
 structure, and is not liable to get out of 
 repair. 
 
 The twist may be regulated so as to twist 
 hard or slack, as the operator pleases. They 
 can be built with twelve spindles for $25. 
 The spooling-frame is equally simple, cheap, 
 and convenient. I pay from four to five 
 dollars per bushel for cocoons, according to 
 quality, and my silk sells readily for four 
 dollars per hundred skeins. There is another 
 gentleman in this county who has a machine 
 of 3 spindles, with ring-fliers, but he worki 
 
LETTERS. 
 
 61 
 
 only his own cocoons. Thus I have given a 
 very brief statement of the silk culture in 
 this county. 
 
 The amount of cocoons above stated has 
 been raised in the six towns along the lake 
 shore. 
 
 There are, probably, two or three hundred 
 pounds grown in other parts of the county. 
 
 L. R. HEWINS, Foxborough, Mass. I am 
 very much gratified to know that you are 
 making exertions to forward the silk business 
 in the United States. 
 
 I have raised a few worms each year, for 
 four years, with good success in general. 
 Fed them in a room 14 feet square, plastered. 
 Did not regulate the temperature in any way. 
 I have not fed in an open shed, but the gen- 
 eral opinion here is, that this is the best. 
 We prefer the pea-nut worm, as they reel 
 more readily than any other. We use the 
 Italian, white and multicaulis, and let them 
 stand through the winter without injury, if 
 planted on dry land. 
 
 We have tried early and late feeding, and 
 found early feeding much the best, as the 
 worms do better and make much heavier 
 cocoons. 
 
 Great care should be taken to procure 
 eggs from healthy worms, and then, with a 
 little experience, we may secure a good crop. 
 
 We have been engaged in the manufacture 
 about five years, most of the time making 
 sewings. Have made some warps for weav- 
 ing bonnet edgings. 
 
 Have not much capital invested for ma- 
 chinery, say, $100 for reeling and twisting, 
 which, by the way, I invented and got up 
 myself. We employ no hands out of our 
 own family, and only two of us work at this 
 business. 
 
 Have worked some imported raw silk, 
 which was not worth so much by 25 per cent. 
 as our own, owing to its not being reeled 
 well, i. e. was not worth so much by <$1 per 
 pound, which would pay for the reeling. 
 
 I know of no difference in the silk made 
 from the different kinds of mulberry. 
 
 And in conclusion, we have planted the 
 trees, fed the worms, reeled and twisted the 
 silk, and finished it ready for the market, and 
 know of no possible reason why the business 
 is not practicable and profitable in all its 
 parts. 
 
 I would ask for information respecting 
 weighting sewing-silk. Does any one know 
 how to iceight it, as the imported is weighted ? 
 
 We weight ours, but presume not in the 
 right way. 
 
 I send you a specimen of sewing-silk, 
 reeled on my reel, and doubled and twisted 
 on my twister, which does the doubling and 
 twisting at one operation. 
 
 [The enclosed silk bears testimony of the 
 excellence of the machinery, and the skill of 
 the operator. I. R. B.] 
 
 Z. STORKS &. SON, Mansfield Centre, 
 Conn. I had intended* to meet the Silk 
 Convention in New York, but as I cannot 
 6 
 
 do that, I am desirous to add my mite to the 
 mass of information which will be collected. 
 I have been for forty or fifty years conver- 
 sant with the growing of silk in this town, 
 though not personally engaged in the busi- 
 ness. I consider it feasible and simple, in 
 the whole process, and that a little practical 
 knowledge will convince any one of this 
 fact, and that the generality of publications 
 on the subject have invested it with too much 
 mystery. 
 
 1 have been now for about ten years en- 
 gaged, in a moderate way, in the manufac- 
 ture of sewing-silk and twist have about 
 three hundred spindles and winders, pro- 
 pelled by water-power, and employ in the 
 mill from 10 to 14 hands, and produce from 
 25 to 40 pounds per week using from one 
 to two thousand pounds of raw silk yearly, 
 adapting it to the demand. The capital 
 necessary for this, I find to be about $8000. 
 
 We have used various kinds of raw silk, 
 and I can say, without hesitation, that the 
 American, properly reeled, is equal to any : 
 and I do not think at least, I could never 
 discover much difference, whether made 
 from the multicaulis, alpine, or white mul- 
 berry. I think the present tariff on silk 
 needs some alteration, in the law or the 
 construction, to prevent the importation of 
 thrown silk at the same duty as raw silk. 
 
 As to the ultimate success of the silk busi- 
 ness in this country, both in growing and 
 manufacturing, I have no doubt on the sub- 
 ject, but think the growing of silk may and 
 will yield more profit than the present pro- 
 duction of cotton. 
 
 I have written in great haste, and should 
 be glad to enter more at large on this im- 
 portant subject, had I time. Shall always 
 be pleased to hear from you, and shall be 
 ready to give any information in my power. 
 
 NATHANIEL J. CHURCH, Minesink, Or- 
 ange Co., JV. Y. I began feeding worms in 
 1839 took a lot half grown to begin with, 
 that had been poorly fed, and lost the most 
 of them. 
 
 1840. Hatched and fed a lot. I was over- 
 stocked leaves came short, and lost three 
 fourths of my crop. 
 
 1841. Succeeded in bringing my crop to 
 maturity only a few diseased had 38 
 pounds cocoons. 
 
 1842. Made 119 pounds, and in 1843, 103 
 pounds. Worms healthy and cocoons. 
 
 2. I fed in my house arid barn, and the 
 temperature was regulated in no way, ex- 
 cept by opening the doors and windows, as 
 the case seemed to require. 
 
 3. I have not fed in an open shed or tent. 
 
 4. I have tried several kinds of silk- worm, 
 and give a preference to the small white pea- 
 nut, principally because I have observed it 
 to wind off much easier than any of the 
 others. 
 
 5. I have about two acres of trees, one of 
 white and one of multicaulis, and a few 
 hundred alpines. 
 
 6th question is partially answered above. 
 
LETTERS. 
 
 7. The cause of bad success in feeding, in this 
 neighborhood, may principally be traced to want 
 of cleanliness, huddling too many together, and 
 irregularity in feeding. I once injured my own 
 crop by suddenly changing from the multicaulis 
 to the wild mulberry-leaf, when they had fasted 
 for some hours. My help consists principally of 
 small boys and girls, who gather leaves and feed 
 the worms j the expense is next to nothing. Jn 
 manufacturing the cocoons into sewing-silk, we 
 have not hired any help. 1 made my own reels ; 
 and, will) my wife's assistance, we have reeled, 
 spooled, doubled and twisted, skeined, col- 
 ored, finished, and sold, the past season, and 
 received to the amount of $113,50. The ex- 
 pense of our reel and spools, and skeining, I sup- 
 pose might be $3, having made them principally 
 myself, and our old spinning-wheel we had be- 
 fore. I find more difficulty in coloring than in 
 any thing else, having all to learn by experience. 
 Books are of little service to me, as their pro- 
 cess is generally on a large scale, and the arti- 
 cles used not easily understood. However, as I 
 am not easily discouraged, I think all these dif- 
 ficulties will be at last overcome. I mean to at- 
 tend the Convention, and bring some silk along ; 
 not because 1 expect it will be of much use to 
 others, but I wish to learn. I am fully satisfied 
 that the business is not only practicable, but 
 that it will well remunerate and justify any cap- 
 ital that may be judiciously employed. If our 
 county agricultural societies would appoint spe- 
 cial committees in each county, to collect in- 
 formation and lay it before the public, offering a 
 small premium, many would be induced to 
 make experiments, and bring in the result. A 
 spirit of enterprise and competition would soon 
 follow, and much good evidently be the conse- 
 quence. 
 
 W. ADAM, Northampton, Mass. On behalf 
 of the Northampton Association of Education 
 and Industry, I beg to acknowledge the receipt 
 of the Silk Circular, issued by the officers of the 
 American Institute ; and in reply to the ques- 
 tions annexed to it, I have the pleasure to ap- 
 pend such information as the experience of the 
 Association supplies, embracing a brief state- 
 ment of the results of silk-growing during the 
 past season. 
 
 The Association, which was established in 
 1842, on the principle of a community of inter- 
 ests among the members, purchased the estate 
 formerly belonging to the Northampton Silk- 
 Manufacturing Company, including between 
 twenty and thirty acres of mulberry trees, the 
 cultivation of which had been long neglected. 
 In the spring of the present year, the Associa- 
 tion built a cocoonery, and commenced the cul- 
 ture of five acres of the trees, by cropping-, 
 ploughing, and hoeing, and the foliage produced 
 was in consequence very greatly increased, and 
 the result of feeding highly satisfactory. 
 
 The building erected is a frame, covered and 
 shingled, without any floor. The sills are raised 
 by underpinning the posts ; and, with a view to 
 thorough ventilation, a large number of the 
 boards are secured in such a manner as to swing 
 back like doors ; several scuttles in the roof 
 also assist the free circulation of air. The 
 building is 100 by 25 feet, with two tiers of 
 frames the whole length, on which the worms 
 are fed. 
 
 The following is a brief view of the value of 
 the capital invested, and of the results of the 
 present season, in this department of indus- 
 try: 
 
 Capital Invested. 
 
 Cost of Cocoonery, ; . $200,00 
 
 5 acres of land at $50 per acre, . . . 260,00 
 
 Capital invested, ^450,00 
 
 Debits. 
 
 To 8 ounces of seed, hatched for feed- 
 ing, at $3 per oz $24,00 
 
 " 105 days' labor of men and boys, av- 
 eraging 75 cents, 78,7.' 
 
 " rent of cocoonery at 10 per cent, on 
 
 cost, 20,00 
 
 " rent of land, at six per cent, on val- 
 uation, 21,00 
 
 " reeling 44 Ibs. silk, at 75 cts. per Ib. 32,00 
 
 Debits, #H5,75 
 
 Credits. 
 
 By 44 Ibs. silk, at $5 per Ib $220,00 
 
 " 40 oz. seed eggs at $3 per ounce, 120,00 
 " half a bushel of cocoons, sold for 
 
 seed, at $7, 3,50 
 
 " 4 bushels of perforated cocoons, at 
 
 50 cents, 2,00 
 
 Credits, 
 Debits, 
 
 345,50 
 175,15 
 
 JMet profits, at 37 per cent. #1GJ,75 
 
 Referring to your Circular, for the two series 
 of questions you propose on the subject of the 
 growth and manufacture of silk, 1 now subjoin 
 answers, numbered in conformity with your que- 
 ries : 
 
 Growth of Silk. 
 
 1. We have fed worms two seasons. Last 
 year we did not produce so much silk as we have 
 this year, but the results were in about the same 
 proportion. 
 
 2. The building has been described above. 
 The temperature is not regulated by any artifi- 
 cial means whatever. 
 
 3. We made an experiment, during the past 
 season, of feeding in an open shed or tent. 
 The results were not favorable ; but, under the 
 actual circumstances, we do not consider the 
 experiment decisive against that mode of feed- 
 ing. 
 
 4. We prefer the pea-nut variety of silk-worm 
 to any other. 
 
 5. We feed from the alpine variety of mul- 
 berry, and we plough and hoe them. 
 
 6. Our experience is in favor of early feeding. 
 
 7. We are not acquainted with any cases of 
 failure in feeding. 
 
 8. We have made no experiment in the man- 
 ufacture of paper from the mulberry-leaf, either 
 in the green or dry state. 
 
 9. We have not attempted by water- or dew- 
 rotting, to convert the bark of the mulberry- 
 shoots into paper or silk fabrics. 
 
 Manufacture of Silk. 
 
 1. We have been engaged in manufacturing 
 silk 18 months. 
 
 2. We manufacture all the varieties of sew- 
 ing-silk and twist. 
 
 3. We manufacture at the rate of 12 to 1500 
 pounds weight annually. 
 
 4. The amount of capital invested in the man- 
 ufacture is about $3,500. 
 
 5. In the manufacture, which includes dyeing, 
 we employ three men, eight girls, and three 
 youths, of eighteen years and under. 
 
 6. American raw silk, properly reeled, is de- 
 cidedly superior to the foreign article for manu- 
 factoring purposes. 
 
LETTERS. 
 
 7. We have no practical knowledge of the 
 comparative quality of silk made from the dif- 
 ferent kinds of trees in common use in this 
 country. 
 
 8. So far as the present tariff' has been tested, 
 it does not appear to have operated in a manner 
 favorable to the silk manufacture. What modi- 
 fications are needed, is a question which 1 am 
 not prepared to answer. Whether any protect- 
 ive tariff for silk is needed, or is just and prop- 
 er, is another question, which you have not 
 asked, and which I do not answer. But, how- 
 ever this question may be answered, I am in- 
 clined to believe that the Northampton Associa- 
 tion can compete successfully, both in price and 
 quality, with the best foreign-manufactured sew- 
 ing-silk usually imported. 
 
 1). 1 have no doubt that both the growth and 
 manufacture of silk are destined to be perma- 
 nent and extensive branches of American indus- 
 try , but in these, as in every department of la- 
 bor, prudence, judgment, economy, and order 
 are indispensable to success. The great defect 
 of American raw silk is, that it is badly reeled, 
 and it is, in consequence, 'unfit to be employed 
 for the production of a good manufactured arti- 
 cle. The cause of the bad reeling is to be found 
 in the simple fact that it is reeled in the families 
 where the worms are fed, and the cocoons pro- 
 duced. It is probable .that there are circum- 
 stances which will always prevent silk that is 
 reeled in families from being well reeled. But, 
 even if, in every individual instance, properly 
 reeled, the silk in one family will be reeled 
 with a different degree of care, and of a differ- 
 ent degree of fineness, from the silk of most 
 other families ; and when the manufacturer pur- 
 chases American raw silk in considerable quan- 
 tity for manufacture, he finds himself in posses- 
 sion not of one uniform kind and quality of silk 
 adapted to his purpose, but of numerous varie- 
 ties, from very coarse to very fine, from very 
 even to very uneven, each variety in small 
 quantity thus presenting an insuperable ob- 
 stacle to the production of a good manufactured 
 article from such stock. The remedy of the 
 evil is as simple as its cause. Raw silk must be 
 reeled only in large quantities, of a uniform qual- 
 ity and fineness, in order to be employed in 
 manufactures. This is equivalent to saying that 
 it should not be reeled in families, where only 
 small quantities can be produced. The proper 
 business of families, and the only business adapt- 
 ed to them in the silk culture, is the feeding of 
 the worms and the production of the cocoons. 
 This is all that is done by private families in It- 
 aly and India large silk-growing countries 
 and is all that can be done by private families in 
 America with advantage, if we desire to make 
 this country a large silk-gaming and silk-man- 
 ufacturing country ; and, until the necessity of 
 this division of labor is perceived, and family- 
 reeling discontinued, American raw silk will 
 never" acquire a high character generally, nor 
 will the American silk manufacture from native 
 produce ever rest on a secure foundation. The 
 Northampton Association has, in consequence, 
 resolved never to purchase American raw silk, 
 except under peculiar circumstances, but only 
 cocoons, and those of a good quality, for which 
 they will always be ready to give a fair and rea- 
 sonable price. 
 
 I have now only to add that a large proportion 
 of the silk grown by the Northampton Associa- 
 tion, during the past season, and carried through 
 every process, from the hatching of the eggs *o 
 its entire completion in the manufactured state, 
 
 will be presented for exhibition at the Sixteenth 
 Annual Fair of the American Institute. 
 
 RIXFORD & DIMOCK, Mansfield Centre, Ct. 
 We send you the following statement : 
 
 (1.) We commenced manufacturing silk in 
 1831), and have been engaged in it ever since, 
 being about four years. 
 
 (2.) We have manufactured sewing-silk and 
 cord, chiefly sewings. 
 
 (3.) The quantity of raw material used by us 
 would average twenty-five pounds per week, and 
 the cost would average $4,50 per Ib. 
 
 (4> ) Amount of capital invested in the business 
 would not exceed four thousand dollars. 
 
 (5:) We have employed about 9 hands, to turn 
 out this amount of silk per week. 
 
 ((!.) We have manufactured about all kinds of 
 raw silk, and we find that American silk, reeled 
 as it ought to be, exceeds any other kind for 
 strength and durability. 
 
 (7.) It is our opinion that silk made from the 
 white mulberry exceeds any other kind. We 
 have manufactured silk made from the alpine, 
 and from the multicaulis ; and, if we could get 
 such as we have manufactured from the alpine, 
 we would be satisfied. 
 
 Our views, with regard to the silk business in 
 this country, are, most clearly, that it will suc- 
 ceed. The time is not far distant when we, as a 
 country, shall raise our own silk, and manufac- 
 ture it j and ultimately compete with foreign na- 
 tions. 
 
 MOSES R. KING, Newark, N. J. From an 
 investigation of those manufactories similar to 
 my own, in this city, it is believed that the 
 amount of silk consumed annually will not vary 
 far from 500 Ibs. This is used in marking coach 
 lace, fringe, tassel, and gimps, and is composed 
 of those kinds of silk known as tram and organ- 
 zine. In these manufactures we use other ma- 
 terials besides silk. 
 
 My opinion,, as regards the quality of Ameri- 
 can silk, is, that, if well reeled, it is equal, if not 
 superior, to the foreign article. The American 
 sewings we consider far more desirable for our 
 business than the imported. As a consequence,, 
 we have, for the last two years, purchased that r 
 when we could find it in the market. The tram, 
 and organzine, commonly called floss silk, we 
 have found more difficult to get, of such quality 
 as to meet our wants. This .has, no dpuht, been 
 caused by the inexperience of those engaged in 
 its manufacture. We frequently find it filled 
 with burrs, and its color often presenting differ- 
 ent shades of whiteness. This appears to re- 
 sult from want of care, or a want of the proper 
 knowledge of the business, and of course is a 
 difficulty which time will overcome. We feeJ 
 assured of this, as we have parchased some beau- 
 tiful lots of American floss, which have fully met 
 our desires. 
 
 Permit me to add that I am rejoiced to find the 
 subject of silk culture and manufacture receiv- 
 ing increased attention. Since its first introduc- 
 tion into our country, my faith in its ultimate 
 success, complete and entire, has not wavered. 
 I early became satisfied that we were paying 
 into the hands of foreigners a large amount of 
 money annually which could and ought to be 
 paid to our own citizens. So great has been my 
 desire to encourage it, that I have not (infre- 
 quently purchased the American article of floss 
 when it had to be used to some disadvantage. I 
 wish you great success in your attempt to excite 
 
64 
 
 LETTERS. 
 
 the public attention to this important and highly 
 interesting subject. 
 
 ISAAC E.JONES, Richmond, Indiana 1 acci- 
 dentally, a few days since, saw one of your Silk 
 Circulars, and perused it with much interest, 
 and being in a small way engaged in both the 
 growing and manufacturing of silk, and feeling 
 much anxiety for its progress and encourage- 
 ment in the United States,! felt willing to cast my 
 mite into the treasury. I should not, however, 
 have attempted it but for the observations in 
 the last paragraph of your Circular. 
 
 Answers on growing Silk. 
 
 1 . We have fed more or less three years past, 
 and feel stimulated to persevere in the business. 
 
 2. We occupy the upper story of our factory to 
 feed in, and use Tillinghast's suspended frames 
 
 3. We have never fed in an open shed or tent 
 
 the temperature ought to be uniform 70 
 to 80. 
 
 4. We prefer the mammoth-sulphur variety, 
 both for the grower and manufacturer. 
 
 5. We use the multicaulis entirely, and plant 
 in large rows 4 feet apart, cut 12 to 15 inches 
 high. Feed branches. 
 
 6. We have tried both, and believe early and 
 midsummer feeding best. 
 
 7. We think bad success in feeding is mostly 
 owing to bad stock and want of ventilation. 
 
 8. We have not, but intend to try it this fall. 
 
 9. We think it may become useful ; from a 
 small experiment of water-rotting, the fibres are 
 fine and strong. 
 
 Answers on manufacturing. 
 
 1. We have been manufacturing 8 or 10 
 months. 
 
 2. We make at present satins, ladies' dress 
 silks, cravats, scarfs, &c., &c., of different colors. 
 
 3. We are not yet able to answer this question 
 satisfactorily, perhaps 75 to 100 pounds. 
 
 4. We have, including water-power, building, 
 machinery, &c., &c., about $4000. 
 
 5. We have, as occasion requires, from 5 to 8 
 males, females, and children. 
 
 6. We are of the opinion, fully, that American 
 raw silk, well reeled, is equal if not superior to 
 most foreign silk. 
 
 7. We think silk made from the multicaulis 
 better than any of the other varieties. 
 
 8. We think the present tariff should be in- 
 creased, and continue a few years at least. 
 
 9. We think, if properly protected by govern- 
 ment, the silk enterprise is entirely feasible, 
 strict economy being observed. 
 
 I * am glad to find so warm an interest now 
 manifested on the silk subject. I am very de- 
 sirous to hear something about French's Knitting 
 Loom. I have seen it very highly spoken of in 
 the New York Tribune. I think one of them 
 would be a useful acquisition to our silk estab- 
 lishment, if it merits one half that is said about 
 it. I think such a machine would be useful in 
 working up the more inferior quality of silk as 
 well as the best. The people here are turning 
 their attention to the silk subject in earnest. I 
 think our city and vicinity have raised 12 to 
 1500 Ibs. of cocoons this season. All were not 
 successful, owing to bad stock, but we are pre- 
 pared with the best kinds for next year. I should 
 admire to be with you in Convention, if it were 
 possible. 
 
 CAPT. JOSEPH CONANT, Northampton, Mass. 
 
 Your favor is before me. Pressing avocations 
 
 leave me time, at present, only to answer your 
 queries very briefly. 
 
 (1.) Your first question How long have you 
 been acquainted with growing silk ? I answer, 
 that 1 was born in Mansfield, Conn., and have 
 been more or less actively engaged in the bosi- 
 ness nearly 46 years. 
 
 (2.) As to buildings : I have fed in about every- 
 thing bearing the name, barns, corn-houses, 
 and other open buildings, with usual good suc- 
 cess. But I have no records and can give no 
 statistics. 
 
 (3.) Have never fed in a shed OT tent, so called, 
 but have done what amounts to the same thing, 
 and, beyond all doubt, this is the true system. 
 The pure air of heaven is indispensable, and the 
 feeder can get it in any way he pleases, but get 
 it lie must. 
 
 (4.) I have generally used the large sulphur 
 worm, but recently the pea-nut, which 1 prefer. 
 
 (5.) As to trees : 1 have generally used the 
 white mulberry the only kind known in Mans- 
 field or the country, during the years in which 1 
 did the most in feeding. 
 
 (6.) Prei'er early feeding, decidedly. 
 
 (7.) The causes of bad success are several 
 bad eggs, or good eggs badly managed, insuffi- 
 cient or unsuitable food, &c. But the one great 
 cause has been inadequate ventilation. 
 
 As to the mulberry-leaf for paper, or the bark 
 for purposes specified in the Circular, I have 
 made no experiments. 
 
 In regard to manufacturing silk, I would 
 remark : 
 
 (1.) I have been acquainted with the business 
 as carried on in Mansfield, in a domestic way, 
 from a child. In 1829, myself and another man 
 commenced manufacturing sewings by ma- 
 chinery in Mansfield, which was, I believe, the 
 first attempt in this country in that way ; and I 
 have been engaged in the business ever since. 
 
 (2.) I have made sewings, twist, some ladies' 
 dresses, vestings, and handkerchiefs. 
 
 (3.) Have used from one to four thousand 
 pounds of raw silk annually, chiefly for sewings, 
 and at a cost varying from $3 50 to $6 00 per Tb. 
 
 (4.) Have now from $3000 to $4000 invested 
 in buildings, &.C., connected with the business. 
 
 (5.) Employ 10 to 12 hands, male and female, 
 chiefly females. 
 
 (6.) I have no hesitation in saying, as a manu- 
 facturer, that American silk, properly reeled, is 
 equal to any in the known world. For strength, 
 and lustre, it is superior to any foreign silk 1 
 have ever seen. 
 
 (7.) As to silk made from the white mulberry, 
 multicaulis, Canton, Asiatic, and Alpine, I know 
 of no difference. 
 
 (8.) In regard to the present tariff", I concur 
 entirely in the views expressed by Mr. Murray 
 and other manufacturers, now before the Con- 
 vention. 
 
 (9.) " What do you think of the whole silk 
 business, as a business of this country ?" This 
 question I cannot at present answer as 1 wish. 
 I will however say, in brief, that I feel entire 
 confidence in the opinion, that it will ultimately 
 become an important branch of business, em- 
 ploying an amount of industry, and diffusing 
 wealth to an extent scarcely equalled by any 
 other. Had I time, I could give you many good 
 and sufficient reasons for the opinion here ex- 
 pressed. 
 
 JOHN Fox, Senior, Mt. Pleasant, Jefferson 
 Co., Ohio. I will answer your nine interro- 
 gatories as concisely as possible. 
 
LETTERS. 
 
 1. I have been wholly in the manufacture of 
 silk 35 years in London and 10 years in America. 
 I was born in London ; my predecessors were 
 weavers of the old school. I was brought up to 
 the business young, and never went out of it. 
 While engaged in it in London, I superintended 
 for the following gentlemen : Messrs. Hopkins 
 &. Cowper, Friday Street, Cheapside, 30 looms; 
 Mr. Win. Prater, Wood Street, Cheapside, 100 
 looms; Mr. Rugg, Spitalfields, 40 looms; Mr. 
 Frebout, Finsbury, 50 looms; besides being, 
 after that, in business for myself, in Church 
 Street, Spitalfields, and Basinghall Street, City, 
 five years with twenty looms. During the period 
 of fifteen years, 1 had from 250 to 300 Ibs. of 
 silk, of every grade and name, pass through my 
 hands weekly. 
 
 2. There is no article of silk goods that I 
 have not manufactured, or caused to be done, 
 during the above forty-five years. 
 
 3. During the last sixteen months, 280 Ibs. 
 reeled silk. 
 
 4. Including factory buildings, machinery, &c., 
 &c., $5,400; expended the last 16 months, for 
 cocoons, reeled silk, weavers, winders, dyeing, 
 and girls employed, $11,371. My son has now 
 25 hands engaged and constantly employed. 
 
 5. My opinion of the American silk, if well 
 prepared, is that it is quite equal to any I have 
 seen in England, from France, Italy, China, or 
 Valencia, and in some qualities superior. 
 
 7. I would give the preference to an orchard 
 of white Italian varieties, believing them to pos- 
 sess medicinal as well as nutritive properties. 
 
 8. I do not consider the tariff as answering 
 the end for which it was intended, and very 
 little good will be effected by it unless it is ad 
 valorem as well as specific. 
 
 9. I have no more doubt of the ultimate suc- 
 cess of the silk business in this country than I 
 have of my own existence. 
 
 Thus far I have answered the questions pro- 
 posed, as far as my knowledge extends. I am 
 nappy to say the Richmond (Indiana) Silk Fac- 
 tory is in the hands of my two sons on their 
 own responsibility, who are progressing as well 
 as can be expected. 
 
 I will now close with a few remarks of some 
 importance. It is evident, from the greatly in- 
 creased quantity of cocoons raised this year, that 
 something must be done to provide reeling 
 establishments, and that quickly ; otherwise 
 there must be a decline. I would suggest that 
 filatures be established in several parts of every 
 silk-raising State, that the raisers may have a 
 market at a convenient distance to resort to with 
 their cocoons. My son that is with Mr. Gill 
 has purchased for him upwards of 500 bushels 
 of this year's crop, and I am satisfied not half 
 has come in yet. The distance they have come 
 has in some instances much injured the cocoons. 
 The expense to establish these filatures would 
 be trifling, compared to the convenience, safety, 
 and cheapness of transporting the silk. I hope 
 some of my highly esteemed friends in the East 
 will give this subject that consideration it merits. 
 But the most effectual means for working up 
 the raw material is to establish silk factories. 
 This would be an honor to the Union, and evince 
 the patriotic sentiments of its citizens, and 
 within five years bring in a lucrative return for 
 their investments. When 1 look back only six 
 or seven years, there was not the semblance of 
 a silk factory in the West. Now what a change ! 
 We see them at Mount Pleasant, Ohio at 
 Richmond, Ind. at Nashville, Term. and at 
 Economy, Penn. and elsewhere, in a smaller 
 6* 
 
 way. Dr. White. Mr. Gill, myself, and three 
 sons, were the only individuals engaged in the 
 cause. We pioneered our way through evil 
 report and through good report. The public 
 looked upon us either as maniacs or designing 
 men. The latter was the fact; for we de- 
 signed to save twenty millions per annum from 
 being foolishly sent away from these shores, and 
 make something for ourselves. We have par- 
 tially succeeded ; and all that is wanting to 
 complete our designs fully is men of the same 
 liberal and patriotic principles as Mr. G. I am 
 aware that able and disinterested superinten- 
 dents are scarce, as a superintendent must not 
 only be a good silk-weaver, but a manufacturer, 
 or at least one that has had the superintendence 
 of an establishment in Europe ; and I should 
 find no difficulty in getting such men provided 
 there was a probability of permanent employ- 
 ment. 
 
 I am happy to say there is every prospect of 
 three more establishments being raised next 
 April one in Cincinnati, one in Kingscourt, 
 Tenn., and one in Indiana, Pa. 1 hope to hear 
 of Connecticut, Massachusetts, &c., doing like- 
 wise. Commence economically ; go on with 
 spirit, blended with prudence and perseverance, 
 and success will be the happy result. 
 
 MURRAY & RYLE, Proprietors of the Pater- 
 son Silk Manufactory, Paterson, N. J. The 
 Circular of the American Institute has received 
 our respectful attention, and we take great 
 pleasure in furnishing replies to the inquiries 
 addressed to manufacturers of silk : viz. 
 
 1. Our establishment was commenced in the 
 summer of 1840. 
 
 2. The varieties of silk we manufacture are 
 chiefly sewings tram, organzine, twists, of va- 
 rious descriptions, and in fact every kind of silk 
 thread. We have lately commenced the weaving 
 of cloth, and have now 12 looms in operation. 
 Specimens of these articles will be exhibited at 
 the fair. 
 
 3. Our consumption of raw silk is at present 
 at the rate of 8000 Ibs. per annum. 
 
 4. The capital employed is about #20,000. 
 
 5. The number of hands employed is about 
 50, chiefly women and children. 
 
 6. American silk, when reeled with care, pro- 
 duces a stronger thread than silk of foreign 
 growth, and we give it the preference in every 
 instance when offered us for sale. 
 
 7. We have not had sufficient experience in 
 the qualities of American silk made from dif- 
 ferent trees, to answer this question. In order 
 to arrive at any correct conclusion on the sub- 
 ject, it would be necessary for the grower of 
 each lot of silk to specify upon what kind of 
 mulberry he fed his worms. 
 
 8. In answer to this question, we would state 
 that the present tariff on silks does not answer 
 the objects contemplated in making it which 
 we presume were, encouragement of the growth 
 and manufacture of silk, as well as revenue. 
 The section of the tariff on raw silk reads 
 thus : 
 
 '' On raw silk, comprehending all silks in the 
 gum, whether in hanks, reeled, or otherwise 
 50 cents per pound of 16 oz." 
 
 Now, raw silk is known, in common accepta- 
 tion, as the silk simply reeled from the cocoon, 
 and made up in hanks for the manufacturer. 
 But, under the clause " or otherwise," silk in 
 the gum, although manufactured through all the 
 incipient stages, previously to the operation of 
 dyeing, (in which the natural gum is for the first 
 
(JG 
 
 LETTERS. 
 
 time extracted,) is admitted at the same duty 
 of 50 cents per pound. The importer of 
 silk in this stage of manufacture, when a 
 purchaser calls for a particular color, has 
 only to send the quantity required to a dyer, 
 who colors and prepares it to order, at small 
 expense, and returns it to the importer in 
 that fully finished and manufactured state, 
 which, if go imported in, would pay a duty 
 of $ 2.50 per pound ; and thus, by this de- 
 fect in the law, it is evident that govern- 
 ment loses $2 per pound revenue, and our 
 home industry is deprived of the manufac- 
 ture, which the law gives to the pauper 
 labor of Europe. 
 
 During the last session of Congress, and 
 prior to the passing of the present act, the 
 bearing and probable effects of the section 
 relative to the duty on raw silk, as now 
 worded, was fully and strongly represented 
 by ourselves and others, manufacturers and 
 growers, to the committee on manufactures, 
 and to the comptroller of the United States. 
 These representations were received in such 
 a way, as to favor the expectation, that the 
 section would be so modified, as to secure 
 all the objects of the law ; another of which 
 was, to insure to the grower of silk, a home 
 market for the produce of his labor. And 
 we would here ask, where is the silk-grower 
 to find a home market, if not from the home 
 manufacturer ? And how is the manufac- 
 turer to succeed, if the manufactured article 
 is admitted at the same duty as the raw ma- 
 terial ? 
 
 The act was passed without any modifica- 
 tion of the section, thus showing that foreign 
 cunning and ingenuity had prevailed over 
 the interests of both silk-grower and manu- 
 facturer for to no other influence can this 
 extraordinary proceeding be attributed. 
 
 Inasmuch as the silk-grower will be bur- 
 dened in foreign markets with heavy, if not 
 entirely prohibitory duties and charges, and 
 can, therefore, expect to find a profitable 
 market only at home ; and, as the consump- 
 tion and demand can only be increased by 
 encouragement to the manufacturer, it be- 
 hoves them both, as well as all the friends of 
 home, trade, to use every exertion and influ- 
 ence to have the present tariff so amended, 
 as to impose a proper duty on silk manufac- 
 tured in any way, or to any extent, and also 
 a proper duty upon silk simply reeled from 
 the cocoon and put up in hanks. 
 
 9th. Our experience has proved to us, that 
 it only requires fostering laws from govern- 
 ment, largely and rapidly to increase the 
 manufacture, and to render the growth of 
 silk universal, and a most profitable branch 
 of domestic industry, inasmuch as its culti- 
 vation scarcely interferes with other agricul- 
 tural labors, only the aged and the young 
 of either sex being required to superintend 
 the raising and feeding of this invaluable 
 insect. We believe this business is destined 
 shortly to add millions upon millions to our 
 national treasures. The enterprise is a 
 mighty one in prospect, and all our legislators 
 should look to its interests. 
 
 We presume the foregoing will serve as 
 an answer to the Circular of the American 
 Institute. 
 
 One, if not both of us, will attend the 
 Convention, to give any further information 
 in our power ; and for the sake of eluci- 
 dating our remarks on this unjust law of 
 Congress, will exhibit to the members of the 
 Convention, silk in the gum, raw, and in its 
 various stages of manufacture, before going 
 into the hands of the dyer. 
 
 Wiw. A. HAYNES, Secretary of the Nash- 
 ville Silk Manufacturing Co., Nashville, Tetm. 
 At a recent meeting of the Tennessee 
 Manufacturing Silk Company, I was in- 
 structed, by the Board of Directors, to make 
 out, and forward to your Convention, a 
 statement of the progress of the culture 
 and manufacture of silk in this State. 
 
 The history of the culture of silk in Tenn- 
 essee, is a brief one. With the exception of 
 a few families, no attention was given to 
 feeding silk-worms, prior to the years 1839 
 and '40 ; since that time, the culture of silk 
 has rapidly progressed. 
 
 In 1840, there were raised in Tennessee, 
 1237 pounds of cocoons. Evidence of the 
 rapid increase of the culture is found in the , 
 fact, that 4500 pounds of cocoons have been 
 sold in this city during the present year. 
 Not more than half the quantity raised in 
 Middle Tennessee has been brought to this 
 market. From the reports in East and West 
 Tennessee, we are satisfied that the produc- 
 tion of cocoons in this State, the present 
 year, does not fall short of 20,000 or 25,000 
 pounds. 
 
 A. D. Carden, Agent for the Silk Com- 
 pany, has raised the largest crop of silk- 
 worms in the State, 1430 pounds at three 
 feedings, in an open house, made for the 
 purpose, on Mr. John W. Gill's system 
 of tent and cradle feeding, the worms all 
 healthy. 
 
 The farmers are going at it in earnest in 
 this State. The climate and soil are just 
 what the silk-worm wants. Many of our 
 farmers believe they can raise cocoons at 
 one dollar per bushel, by this open feeding 
 with cradles, better than they could in the 
 old way at three dollars. 
 
 The Silk Co. has engaged as superintend- 
 ent, Mr. Wm. Turner, an experienced silk- 
 weaver from London. He has two looms in 
 operation, one weaving satin, (see sample 
 enclosed,) from silk grown in this city. 
 
 [The sample enclosed is very superior. 
 It cannot be excelled in any part of the 
 world. I. R. B.] 
 
 WM. TURNER, Superintendent of the Silk 
 Manufacturing Co., Nashville, Tenn. I will 
 confine my remarks to Tennessee silk, not 
 knowing much about silk grown in other 
 parts of the country. 
 
 As a manufacturer, therefore, I say, un- 
 hesitatingly, that Tennessee silk, well reeled, 
 is decidedly superior, both for strength and 
 lustre, to any foreign silk I have ever seen, 
 
LETTERS. 
 
 and is worth 25 per cent, over the imported 
 articles of raw silk. 
 
 As to the quantity now grown in this 
 region, I cannot form a very exact opinion. 
 I will, however, say, that 1 feel entire confi- 
 dence in the opinion, that one hundred hands 
 could now be employed in its manufacture, 
 diffusing wealth to the State; and that, ul- 
 timately, no other business will equal it. 
 
 P. S. Fifty yards of satin, the same as 
 the enclosed, was sold for vesting, by my- 
 self from the loom, without the usual dress- 
 ing with rollers, (that I used in England,) 
 at 3,00 per yard. This was a fair profit 
 on the manufacturing, and was consid- 
 ered much lower than the imported satin, 
 by those who bought it. 
 
 A. D. GARDEN, Nashville, Tenn. 
 
 [As a further confirmation of the rapid 
 progress of the silk culture in Tennessee, 
 I am permitted to present the following ex- 
 tract from a business letter received by Mr. 
 Gill, while in New York attending the Con- 
 vention, covering a bill of several shipments 
 of cocoons, amounting to 410 bushels. The 
 letter was written by Mr. A. D. Garden, 
 referred to above, as Agent of the Co., and 
 as having himself fed 1430 pounds cocoons 
 in open feeding with full success. I. R. B.J 
 
 " The above purchases of cocoons exceed 
 the funds placed by you in my hands, by 
 $ , and exceed the quantity you author- 
 ized me to purchase. There are many more 
 offering in this market for sale ; but as you 
 inform me that you have as many as you 
 can reel in your vicinity, I decline further 
 purchases. I hope you will take these. I 
 hope also, by another year, we shall be able 
 to do better in this State, in the way of 
 reeling. 
 
 " You will see at the fair a sample of satin 
 wove by Mr. Turner. We should be very 
 much pleased to have you represent Ten- 
 nessee, or our infant Silk Factory, in the 
 Convention. 
 
 " As you will see eastern manufacturers 
 at the Convention, perhaps you can make 
 arrangements to have our surplus cocoons 
 purchased and sent East any thing you 
 can do, to provide a market for our cocoons, 
 we shall be thankful for. If the market 
 fails, the growers will become discouraged. 
 
 " There are three or four times as many 
 cocoons raised in this State this year as ever 
 before, and it is your system of shed and 
 cradle feeding, that has done the thing. 
 There can be no doubt, if the market can 
 be continued, they will increase in quantity 
 and quality. I have saved over 100 ounces 
 of pea-nut eggs. From this stock the silk- 
 growers can take a goof start, and raise 
 the very best of cocoons." 
 
 [I cut the following scrap from the news- 
 paper, bearing on the same subject. I. R. B.] 
 
 Gov. JONES, of Tennessee, has been pre- 
 sented with a full suit of Domestic Silk, by 
 the silk-growers of that State, in acknowl- 
 ment of his efficient services to the cause 
 
 of American Industry in his canvass last 
 summer. He responded thus : 
 
 NASHVILLE, Oct. 13, 1843. 
 
 Gentlemen : I receive, with a very grate- 
 ful sense of the value of the compliment, 
 the present of a rich and beautiful suit of ' 
 Domestic Silk, accompanied by your note 
 of the 14th inst. If any thing could height- 
 en the estimation, in which I hold this kind 
 and undeserved mark of regard from my 
 personal friends, it is the consideration re- 
 ferred to in your note, that it also proceeds 
 from " the friends and advocates of the cul- 
 ture and home manufacture of silk," and, 
 that the suit itself, is the produce of this 
 truly interesting and important branch of 
 industry. 
 
 I fear, gentlemen, you over-estimate my 
 services, humble and inefficient as 1 know 
 them to be, in promoting the cause of do- 
 mestic manufactures. If my ability were 
 equal to the heartfelt interest which, in 
 common with the great body of my fellow- 
 citizens, 1 feel in this great cause, I could 
 then flatter myself that your compliment was 
 deserved : in the absence of such ability, I 
 beg to transfer to the truly distinguished 
 and experienced champions of American in 
 dustry, all the credit which your kind par- 
 tiality would award to my poor services. 
 
 Suffer me, in conclusion, gentlemen, to 
 repeat to you, and through you, to the 
 friends you represent, my grateful acknowl- 
 edgments, with assurances of the warm per- 
 sonal esteem of 
 
 Your obedient friend, 
 
 JAMES C. JONES. 
 
 Messrs. G. W. MARTIN and others of the 
 Committee. 
 
 JOHN W. GILL, Mt. Pleasant, Jefferson 
 Co., Ohio. 
 
 Questions on growing Silk. 
 
 Answer to Question 1. I have fed wormi 
 for five years past results various, owing 
 to the various fixtures used, and experiments 
 tried, attention or neglect of the feeder. / 
 never had a lot of worms become diseased, or 
 die, if from a healthy stock of well-kept eggs, 
 without being able to trace the cause, which 
 was ahcays local, and easily remedied. 
 
 2. I used both one and two-story build- 
 ings, built of brick and also of wood have 
 used stoves and also fire-places with chim- 
 neys ; prefer fire-places, on account of their 
 drawing off impure air. I think artificial 
 heat beneficial in cold damp weather, es- 
 pecially when worms are spinning. My 
 cocooneries are ventilated by openings, with 
 shutters near the floor, with ventilators from 
 each story through the roof. 
 
 3. I have fed in open sheds and tents 
 with complete success. 1 fed this year, four 
 several successive crops, and gathered the 
 cocoons from the same cradles. 1st crop 
 fed in June, last crop in September, both 
 perfectly healthy, and made superior co- 
 coons. Scarcely a dead worm, imperfect or 
 double cocoon, among them. 
 
 4. The Salmon pea-nut is the best, white 
 
LETTERS. 
 
 pea-nut next ; gold pea-nut, 3d , Piedmont, 
 4th; Mammoth varieties are also good. 
 Have no faith in any two-crop varieties 
 whatever, after five years' experimenting 
 with all kinds recommended ; but would ob- 
 serve, that those who wish eggs to hatch, 
 must select the pure white cocoons from 
 the first lot fed, to get millers to lay eggs 
 for the 2d crop. 
 
 5. White mulberry and multicaulis. I 
 cultivate them as I do corn, and replant the 
 multicaulis every three years. 
 
 6. Previous years, my first crops of worms, 
 fed early in the season, have always been 
 the best. The cause of failure of late-fed 
 lots, is in feeding tough, hard, full-grown 
 foliage, in which there is but little silk-gum. 
 
 In consequence of the severe drought this 
 season, my trees were almost defoliated in 
 August. We then had plentiful rains. The 
 trees threw out an ample supply of young 
 leaves, full of silk-gum, and my last lots of 
 worms, fed the last of August and first of 
 September, are equal to any I have ever 
 raised or seen. 
 
 7. 1st cause is, eggs saved from unhealthy 
 stock. 2d is, eggs being improperly pre- 
 served. 3d. Irregular feeding and unwhole- 
 some food. 4th. Changing the worms while 
 moulting. 5th. And most frequent cause, 
 want of pure air, and neglect to remove the 
 excrements immediately from the worms. 
 6th. Letting the mice eat them during their 
 last age, and while they are winding their 
 cocoons. 
 
 Questions on manufacturing Silk. 
 
 1. Between five and six years. 
 
 2. Since we commenced, have made al- 
 most every variety of staple silk in use, as 
 velvets, satins, thirty varieties of vestings, 
 twenty of dress silks for ladies' wear, hat 
 and coat plushes, brocades, lustrings, levan- 
 tine, serges, florentines, flag-silks, stage 
 dresses, umbrella and parasol silks, handker- 
 chiefs, scarfs, cravats, aprons, gloves, socks, 
 stockings, shirts, drawers, sewings, tassels, 
 twist, buttons, &c., &c. 
 
 3. About 1000 bushels cocoons annually. 
 
 4. " & 10,000. 
 
 5. " from forty to fifty hands. 
 
 6. " equal to the best I ever exam- 
 ined. 
 
 7. The quality of the silk is owing to the 
 kind of worm that spins it. The quantity 
 may be owing to the kind and quality of fo- 
 liage fed. Worms fed on the native tree, 
 make more floss and less silk than those fed 
 on Italian or multicaulis, but the silk, what 
 there is of it, is as good as from the same 
 worm, fed on the other varieties. 
 
 8. I think, to protect American labor, 
 there should be a duty on all silks imported 
 by weight, and also, say twenty per cent, 
 duty on its value in the United States, both 
 on the raw and manufactured article. The 
 duty by weight, on the raw article, protects 
 the producer, and an ad valorem duty pro- 
 tects the manufacturer. This would prevent 
 the surplus unsaleable silks of Europe from 
 being thrown into our markets, and sold 
 
 here at auction, at any price, having the ef- 
 fect to break down or discourage our citi- 
 zens from commencing in the business, 
 draining us of our coin, and relieving their 
 own market of goods, the sale of which 
 would conflict with the regular profit on 
 their fashionable and saleable goods. This 
 is necessary to protect this new branch of 
 American Industry from being thus assas- 
 sinated, while it is now in its infancy. In a 
 few years, it will become full grown, and 
 will supply us with the best fabrics at the 
 price we now pay for the cast-oft' foreign 
 stuffs. 
 
 9. Is raising sheep in Ohio, hemp in Ken- 
 tucky or Missouri, or cotton in Mississippi, 
 feasible ? If so, the raising of silk in the 
 greater part of the United States is equally 
 so. Disseminate correct information, estab- 
 lish filatures to reel the silk, and protect .us 
 from foreign assassination by a judicious 
 tariff, and it will, in a few years, be the lead' 
 ing staple of American production and man- 
 ufacture, and supply us the means honorably 
 to pay the immense foreign debt we now 
 owe (principally for silks) without repudi- 
 ating it. 
 
 My factory is in full and successful opera- 
 tion, producing more goods than at any time 
 previous. Our operations, as per factory 
 books and account stock taken, August 8th, 
 for the past sixteen months, is as follows, in 
 a condensed form, viz : 
 
 Cash value of Factory buildings, $ 1340 
 " " Machinery, engine, 
 and permanent fixtures, 
 
 1067 bushels cocoons purchased, 
 
 280 pounds reeled silk do., 
 
 Contingent expenses, &c., 
 
 Wages paid factory hands, &c., 
 
 Dyeing, dyes, &c., 
 
 Wages paid weavers, 
 
 8000 bushels coal, at five cents, 
 
 4060 
 3600 
 1400 
 
 604 
 3152 
 
 607 
 1610 
 
 400 
 
 $ 16,773 
 
 In buildings, $ 1340 
 
 In machinery, &c., 4060 
 
 Manufactured 3731 yards velvets, 
 vestings, dress, and other silks, 
 &c., 6324 
 
 1006 cravats and handkerchiefs, 1396 
 
 850 pairs gloves and stockings, 875 
 
 70 pairs shirts and drawers, 325 
 
 10 pounds sewings, 100 
 
 Contingent credits, 1000 
 
 Cocoons, reeled, and other pre- 
 pared silk, warps in looms, and 
 other stock, coal, &c., per in- 
 voice, 3180 
 
 $ 18,600 
 
 Since August wh, we have purchased over 
 five hundred bushels cocoons. With what 
 we have gathered and now have winding, 
 my crop will exceed one hundred bushels. 
 
 My first, hatchings finished winding 1st 
 
 July. The last will finish by 1st October, 
 
 being ten or twelve successive lots between 
 
 those periods. 
 
 1 have been successful beyond my most 
 
PREMIUMS. 
 
 sanguine expectations, in feeding in the shed, 
 and ventilating cradles. Have gathered four 
 crops from each, averaging seven bushels 
 per cradle, or near two bushels at each gath- 
 ering per cradle. The two first, and the last 
 crops were very healthy, and made superior 
 cocoons, of large salmon and pea-nut varie- 
 ties. The third lot was stinted for food, 
 owing to the long drought this summer, 
 which obliged us to resort to the native leaf 
 for about ten days. They were hard and 
 dry, and injured the lot, then feeding, very 
 much. 
 
 Those fed entirely on shelves nearly all 
 died, and of those in the cradles about one 
 half, occasioned by starvation. They could 
 not eat these leaves. From middle of Au- 
 gust up to date, except three very cold rainy 
 days, the weather has been favorable, with 
 refreshing showers of rain. Foliage came 
 on abundantly and our worms have done 
 well. 
 
 I think our cocoons will average twenty 
 ounces silk per bushel. The cost to me this 
 year for producing them will not exceed two 
 dollars per bushel. 
 
 I am completely satisfied that my system 
 of shed, or tent and cradle, and branch feed- 
 ing, as a system for general adoption, will 
 produce more cocoons than any other method 
 yet introduced, at half the usual expense, 
 during three to four months each feeding 
 season. Cold weather, in early and late 
 feeding, may retard the worms some in eat- 
 ing, and lengthen their time some little in 
 spinning ; causing, however, no other injury ; 
 and for warm, sultry weather, nothing can 
 supersede them. (I find the fans over the 
 cradle entirely unnecessary.) Many others 
 have used them, and advised me of their 
 complete success. 
 
 There has been a large amount of cocoons 
 raised in the Ohio valley this year, far more 
 than we shall be able to manufacture. I 
 should think, from my correspondence, at 
 least sufficient to "keep two hundred reels in 
 constant operation. It is of the greatest im- 
 
 portance that filatures should be started in 
 various parts of the country, to take in the 
 small lots of cocoons and reel them. From 
 neglect in reeling, I think at least one third 
 of all previous silk crops have been lost to 
 the producer. The Convention, and friends 
 of silk culture, should take this part of the 
 subject under their serious consideration ; 
 and, by getting the State legislatures to give 
 liberal bounties for reeling silk, and the Con- 
 vention giving premiums for the best reeled 
 silk, they would soon cause filatures to be 
 established and get the grower to reeling. 1 
 do not see why more filatures have not yet 
 been, established. The cost to run, say ten 
 or twenty reels, would be small, not exceed- 
 ing $ 300 to $ 500, and the silk could be sold 
 as soon as sent to market. The art of reel- 
 ing is very simple, and easily learned. We 
 have learned, probably, fifty girls in our es- 
 tablishment, any of whom could reel two 
 and a half to three pounds of fine even silk, 
 of six to eight fibres, per week, worth five 
 dollars per pound. They become expert in 
 a few weeks. Then why is it, that, after a 
 good lot of cocoons has been raised, they are 
 suffered to get old mice and moth eaten, 
 and finally lost, for want of simply reeling 
 them. 
 
 Another operation of importance is spin- 
 ning up the cut-out and imperfect cocoons, 
 floss, and reeler's waste. I have a number 
 of persons employed spinning it at their 
 homes, on the common spinning-wheel, and 
 it makes a valuable thread for shirts, stock- 
 ings, &c., and after paying well for all labor 
 bestowed, nets something considerable for 
 the raw material. 
 
 I am pleased with the brightening pros- 
 pect of the silk culture and manufacture. 
 All elementary questions are now settled by 
 carefully conducted experiments: and the 
 whole country has nothing to do but to 
 go forward, with a steady and careful ac- 
 tivity, in this new and promising form of 
 home industry, growing and manufactur- 
 ing silk. 
 
 PREMIUMS, 
 
 ON SILK, RAW AND MANUFACTURED, 
 
 Awarded at tfo Sixteenth Annual Fair of the American Institute, New York. 
 
 W. J. Cantelo, Weehawken, N. J., for the best specimens of Cocoons and 
 
 Raw Silk, Gold Medal. 
 
 Albert P. Heart, Troy, N. Y., for 2d best Cocoons, Diploma. 
 
 Lttcius Carey, Marian, Saratoga Co., N. Y., for the 2d best Raw Silk, Silver Medal. 
 
70 NOTICES. 
 
 Northampton Association of Education and Industry, Northampton, Mass., for 
 
 specimens of Raw Silk, Diploma. 
 
 Luke A. White, 17 Whitehall St., N. Y., for a specimen of Raw Silk, Diploma. 
 
 F. Trowbridge, Flushing, N. Y., for a specimen of Raw Silk, Diploma. 
 
 Ephraini Montague, Bethlehem, Mass., for a specimen of Raw Silk, Diploma. 
 
 W. J. Cantelo, Weehawken, N. J., for Cantelo's Winding Rack for Cocoons,. Diploma. 
 
 Win. lltnjilen, Jith Avenue, N. Y., for specimens of Silk Dyeing, Diploma. 
 
 New England Silk Company, Dedham, Mass., for the best specimen of black 
 
 and colored Sewing Silk, Stiver Medal. 
 
 thampton Asseciati&H of Education find Industry, Northampton, Mass., for 
 
 the d best specimen of Sewing Silk,. Diploma. 
 
 Haskell I. Hayden, Windsor, Conn., for superior colored Spool Sewing $\\\i,. Diploma. 
 
 (A Gold Medal having been previously awarded to the same.) 
 John W. Gill, Mount Pleasant, Jefferson Co., Ohio, for the greatest variety of 
 
 manufactured Silk Goods, Gold Medal. 
 
 Timothy Smith, Amherst, Mass., for a piece of plain Drab Silk, Silver Medal. 
 
 Murray <^ Rij/e, Paterson, N J., for Ladies' and Gentlemen's Cravats, and 
 
 twilled Silk Handkerchiefs, Gold Medal. 
 
 John Denmead, 137 William St., N. Y., for Silk Gimps, Wire, and Coat 
 
 Bindings, Silver Medal. 
 
 Miss Mary Beach, Newark, N. J., for a pair of White Silk Hose, Diploma. 
 
 The Examining Committee, among other remarks, say : 
 
 u It is highly gratifying to observe a decided improvement in the reeling of raw silks, as 
 tending greatly to the advantage of the manufacture of fine goods," &c. 
 There are many excellent samples of sewings. 
 
 The piece of plain drab, by Mr. T. Smith, of Amherst, Mass., is worthy of special 
 notice for its evenness of texture, color, and finish, and is the best piece of silk in the Fair. 
 
 G. M. HAY WOOD, > 
 
 H. BYRNES, > Committee. 
 
 EDWARD F. WOODARD,S 
 
 Con- 
 
 NOTICES. 
 
 In reference to future operations, the Trustees of the Institute would give the following 
 
 Notices. 
 
 REPOSITORY OF THE AMERICAN INSTITUTE, 
 NEW YORK, NOVEMBER 3o, 1843. 
 
 The trustees of the American Institute, in accordance with the resolution of the 
 vention in regard to a Silk Manual, as given on page 17 of this Report, would inform the 
 public that they fully appreciate the importance of th'is measure, and have engaged I. R. 
 Barbour, Esq., of Oxford, Mass., to prepare such a work. It is designed that it be plain, 
 concise, elementary, and strictly American in its character ; and not so large as to exceed 
 25 to 374 cents in price. Mr. B. hopes to be able to get out the work in a few months. 
 
 We also give notice that a Medal of the Institute will be given, at the next Annual Fair 
 of the Institute, for the best Experiment in making paper from the leaf of the Mulberry- 
 Tree. The application must be accompanied with a sample of the paper made, together 
 with a full written statement of the quantity made, of the kind and quantity of leaves 
 used, and whether used green or dry, the processes, and all the materials employed in 
 manufacturing, and also the value of such stock, compared with other kinds of stock for 
 paper. 
 
 We also give notice, that a Medal of the Institute will be given at the same time, for 
 the best Experiment in separating the inner bark of the mulberry-shoot from the outer 
 bark and wood ; either by dew, or water-rotting ; or by any othCT process, by which it may 
 be obtained in a suitable state for paper, or coarse silk goods, or any other valuable use. 
 The applications must be accompanied with a sample of the bark thus produced, together 
 with a written statement of the quantity thus prepared, the kind and age of the shoots 
 used ; and all the materials and processes employed in the business. 
 
 We also give notice that another Silk Convention will be called during the next Fair. 
 The Trustees, the Managers, and all the members of the Institute, as well as the intelli- 
 gent friends of home industry generally, have been exceedingly gratified with the spirit and 
 the proceedings, and all the results, of the Convention just closed. We believe this mea- 
 
REMARKS. 71 
 
 sure has already exerted, and, by the publication of this Report, will continue to exert, a 
 powerful and healthful influence in behalf of this great business. The facts imbodied in 
 this Report, in our judgment, are sufficient to settle the whole silk question forever, as a 
 business suited to be a permanent branch of American labor. We regard it as so settled, 
 and, in all our future efforts in respect to this subject, shall treat this point as one already 
 disposed of needing no further proof, and admitting no further doubt. 
 
 Another remark. It is intended to make the Convention, now so happily closed, the 
 beginning of a series of Annual Conventions, to be continued as long as the interests ot the 
 silk business may seem to demand ; and to make this Report the first of a series of Annual 
 Reports on this subject, that shall form in the end a vast Repository of Facts and Instruc- 
 tion, for reference and use in all future times ; Reports that will be extensively diffused, 
 and carefully preserved ; so that when this business comes to stand before the nation, 
 and before the world, as second to no other on the Western Continent, our children and 
 children's children may here find all the recorded evidences of our struggles and our 
 triumphs. 
 
 We wish, therefore, now to shape our measures in reference to this great object. We 
 think it will not be important to publish another volume of Letters, in extenso, like the 
 present. This will be sufficient for such purposes. It is, therefore, our purpose now to 
 commence collecting facts on the silk business in such a form that they can be imbodied in 
 Statistical Tables. This year we have been happy to receive from one to two hundred 
 letters, and yet not one in twenty of those engaged in the business has written to us. 
 .Next year, returns, we trust, will come in by thousands, and we wish to have them come 
 in the form as above indicated. To secure this object, we subjoin two blank, schedules, one 
 for Silk Growers, and the other for Silk Manufacturers, which they will be able easily to 
 understand and fill up with figures. 
 
 In addition to filling the following blanks, we would invite each correspondent to offer 
 any remark or suggestion, or state any discovery, or improvement, lie may have made, in 
 any part of the business,- or any thing that will be of special interest to growers, or manu- 
 facturers, and all such statements will be preserved in the Report. 
 
 Another remark. We are very happy to see the public press, at the present time, ready 
 to publish on silk. We trust they will extract freely from this Report; and a copy of it 
 will be sent to any Editor, in any part of the country, who shall signify his wish to receive 
 one by sending a number of his paper to the publisher of the Report. We wish these No- 
 tices may be published entire, and that Silk Growers and Manufacturers will preserve them,, 
 especially the Tables, for future use. 
 
 We also trust that county, or other local Silk Conventions will be held, next September,, 
 throughout the whole country, and that returns will be obtained and forwarded from every 
 grower and manufacturer, whether his operations are large or small. We will send a copy 
 of the Report, as we do this year, to every person whose name and labors shall help to fill 
 up our proposed Statistical Tables. 
 
 In conclusion, we take the liberty to say, that the Trustees and Managers of the Institute 
 have no pecuniary interest whatever in the silk business, or in any part of it ; that, in all' 
 these labors to promote that business, we are only carrying out the designs of our Associa- 
 tion ; that these designs are wholly benevolent and patriotic, having reference to all the- 
 great interests of our great country ; that our only income is derived from the receipts of 
 the Fair, and the voluntary offerings of a few public-spirited men connected with the In- 
 stitute, and is all expended for public objects. We trust, therefore, that these statistical 
 facts may be collected, and forwarded to T. B. Wakeman, Esq., Secretary of the Insti- 
 tute, free of expense. 
 
 President, 
 JAMES TALLMADGE, 
 
 Vice- Presidents, 
 ADONIRAM CHANDLER, 
 WILLIAM INGLIS, 
 SHEPHERD KNAPP. 
 
 Recording Secretary, 
 GURDON J. LEEDS. 
 Correspondin <r Secretary. 
 T. B. WAKEMAN. 
 
 Treasurer. 
 ED. T. BACKHOUSE. 
 
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 SILK MANUFACTURERS 
 PRIOR TO 1844. 
 
 NAMES AND P. O. ADDRESS. 
 
 
 
 
 7 
 
 
 
 J 
 
74 
 
 APPENDIX. 
 
 To this Edition, we append the following Letters: 
 
 OXFORD, Feb. 14, 1844. 
 
 T. B. Wakeman, Esq., 
 
 Secretary of A. Institute, N. York. 
 
 My dear Sir : I have just returned from 
 a journey as far West as Ohio, undertaken 
 for purposes connected with the silk business. 
 I went out in company with a gentleman 
 from Pittsburg, who is going fully into the 
 business, and who had spent several weeks 
 in New England, visiting our establishments, 
 and collecting information in regard to grow- 
 ing and manufacturing silk. 1 spent a week 
 with him in these investigations, before leav- 
 ing for the West. The deep interest which 
 you, and the Institute with which you are 
 connected, have taken in the silk cause, must 
 constitute my apology for laying before you 
 some of the results of these our joint inquiries. 
 
 There has been a large increase in the 
 manufacture of silk in New England, within 
 the last one or two years. Several new es- 
 tablishments have been started in that time, 
 and old ones, that were prostrated by the mul- 
 berry speculation of 1839, have been resusci- 
 tated, and are now going on prosperously. 
 These establishments are employed chiefly 
 in making sewings and twist, and severally 
 consume from 20 to 200 pounds raw silk 
 weekly ; amounting, in the aggregate, I 
 should think, to twice or three times the 
 quantity worked up one year ago. We found 
 one new establishment just going into ope- 
 ration, at Mansfield, Conn., for the manu- 
 facture of cords, gimps, and other trimmings. 
 The building is over 100 feet long, three 
 stories high, and designed for a large busi- 
 ness. Messrs. Dale and Denrnead are the 
 owners. All our New England factories 
 purchase all the American raw silk they can 
 get properly reeled, and pay higher for it 
 than for the foreign article, and yet their 
 chief dependence is upon foreign stock. 
 
 There are three Silk Factories now in 
 regular operation at Northampton, and one 
 at Dedham, Mass. Something is also done 
 in this way at Woburn, Hingham, and Fox- 
 borough. 
 
 The Northampton Association have lately 
 made an important improvement in reeling, 
 BO that they can now pay $4 50 to $5 per 
 bu.hf,' for cocoons, cask, and are ready to do 
 it for any quantity they want this year 
 2000 bushels. 
 
 In Mansfield, Conn., there are five or six 
 
 establishments of the kind, though we could 
 not visit all of them. In Manchester, Conn., 
 the Messrs. Cheneys have, within a fev 
 months, revived their establishment, and are 
 now making 200 pounds of sewings weekly. 
 There is also a factory at Windsor, and an- 
 other at Pognonock, near Hartford, Conn. 
 
 All these establishments are going regu- 
 larly forward, finding a ready and profitable 
 sale for their goods. 
 
 Messrs. Murray & Ryle, Paterson, N. J., 
 whose goods attracted so much attention at 
 the Fair, we were sorry not to be able to 
 visit, but heard that they were still going on 
 prosperously. 
 
 We spent an hour or two with Mrs. Mc- 
 Lanahan, Philadelphia, whose interesting 
 letter is imbodied in this Report. You will 
 be happy to know that she is about resuming 
 her patriotic labors. 
 
 West of the mountains, the business is 
 carried on very differently from what it is in 
 New England. No foreign raw silk is used 
 in any establishment. No sewing-silk or 
 twist of any consequence is made. The en- 
 tire attention of manufacturers in that quar- 
 ter is turned to plain and figured dress goods, 
 serges, satins, velvets, ribbons, &c., &c. 1 
 brought home with me some 70 different 
 samples of such goods, from the richest 
 figured velvet, down to the plain and simple 
 pongee samples that will well bear com- 
 parison with the same kinds of goods made 
 in England or France. The two leading 
 establishments are Mr. Rapp's, at Economy, 
 Pa., and Mr. Gill's, Mount Pleasant, Jeffer- 
 son County, Ohio, both of which were got 
 up under the superintendence of John Fox, 
 senior, and Sons, practical manufacturers 
 from England, and have gone steadily for- 
 ward, enlarging their operations from time to 
 time, and finding a profitable and ready sale 
 for their goods as fast as made. We found 
 Mr. Gill building a new factory, 50 by 20 
 feet, 3 stories high, to be filled with power- 
 looms for weaving plain pongees for print- 
 ing. We could hear of no establishment at 
 the West that had failed, or had been sus- 
 pended, though many of them had suffered 
 much from the want of more capital. We 
 learned from Mr. Fox, at Mount Pleasant, 
 that his sons, at Richmond, Indiana, were 
 going on prosperously. We had similar in- 
 telligence from Nashville, Tenn. 
 
APPENDIX. 
 
 75 
 
 In regard to the production of raw silk, 
 the West, especially the valley of the Ohio 
 River and its tributaries, has gone ahead 
 of New England. Much evidence on this 
 point is given in our Report. Mr. Gill there 
 gives it as his opinion, that the crop of 
 tiie past season in that valley is sufficient to 
 keep 200 reels in operation through the year. 
 This opinion he repeated to rne in conver- 
 sation. The very rapid increase in that 
 region, and its relative gain upon the East, 
 is to be accounted for as follows : 
 
 The mulberry speculation did not prevail 
 at the West as in the Atlantic States, and of 
 course about all the disastrous consequences 
 growing out of that matter fell upon the At- 
 lantic States, where they belonged. West- 
 ern lands are all rich, and mulberry-trees, 
 when put out, push forward at once, making 
 a rapid growth of three to six feet by mid- 
 summer. On the other hand, our Eastern 
 lands are exhausted, and our trees will do 
 nothing without manure, any more than our 
 corn, and other crops. On this point many 
 silk-growers at the East have made a sad 
 mistake, and laid the foundation for their own 
 disappointment, and the discouragement of 
 themselves and others. In this matter, the 
 West have precisely the same advantages 
 over the East in the silk business, as in other 
 agricultural pursuits, and no more. West- 
 ern farmers do every thing on a larger scale 
 than we do in the East, and they are carry- 
 ing this characteristic spirit into the silk cul- 
 ture. Their summers, also, are some two or 
 three weeks longer than ours, though no 
 better in any other respects. 
 
 I think, therefore, that the West and South- 
 west will take the lead in the growth of silk, 
 just as they now do in corn, and most other 
 agricultural products, and for the same gen- 
 eral reasons. 
 
 I am not a prophet, nor the son of a prophet. 
 But I venture the prediction, that in thirty 
 to fifty years, the valley of the Mississippi 
 will control the silk markets of the country, 
 and of the world. What our country has 
 done in the cotton culture, gives us a pledge 
 to this effect. Yet there is this difference in 
 the two eases : Silk maybe successfully cul- 
 tivated in every state and territory in the 
 Union. Cotton, on the other hand, is con- 
 fined within certain parallels of latitude. 
 
 I have said, that the West and South-west 
 will take the lead of the Atlantic States in 
 the silk culture . Shall eastern farmers, then, 
 abandon the business ? By no means. We 
 know that corn is one of our best and most 
 profitable crops, in all the Eastern States, 
 from Maine to the capes of Florida, and yet 
 we all admit that the West can and does lead 
 us in the production of this article. I reason 
 about silk in the same way. Here we are, 
 fixed upon our hills and plains, exhausted 
 though they may be. Some of us would not 
 abandon them for the fertile West, if we 
 could. Some of us could not, if we would. 
 Here we are, and here we must be, and we 
 must do something. We are on a tread-mill, 
 and it is work or die ; and the only question is, 
 
 what articles of production are most worthy 
 of our cultivation ? Sooner or later my read- 
 ers will decide in favor of silk as one of the 
 class. 
 
 1 found at the West several large estab- 
 lishments for feeding going into operation. 
 Mr. J. O'Hara, near Pittsburg, who has 
 been experimenting in the business for two 
 years, is preparing to stock 20 acres, in the 
 spring, with trees. Mr. George Sanders, 
 near Wheeling, Va., has already 8 or 9 acres, 
 and will put out 50 acres more in the spring. 
 This gentleman, with whom I had the pleas- 
 ure of spending an evening on my way home, 
 is personally acquainted with the business, 
 as carried on in France and Italy, and has 
 recently arrived in this country, and pur- 
 chased the farm on which 1 found him. He 
 is preparing to carry out, in this country, the 
 most approved methods of feeding in France 
 and Italy. For this purpose he is building 
 a cocoonery, 132 by 35 teet, one story, with 
 abundant windows, doors, ventilators, and 
 scuttles in the roof. In addition, he is putting 
 up 12 stacks of chimneys, the chief design ot 
 which is, to change the air in the room, in hot, 
 sultry, confined weather, by the aid of flash 
 fires, made of brush, straw, leaves, or any 
 light material. In this way, he informs me, 
 that he can at any time, and in a very few 
 minutes, change the air in the room entirely. 
 Who can doubt it ? The plan is perfectly 
 philosophical. In the great fire in New York, 
 the heat was so intense, as stated in the 
 papers at the time, as to cause the winds to 
 come blowing in upon the fire from all points 
 of the compass, at the same time. 
 
 Every silk-grower in the land now knows, 
 that we have much more to fear from heat 
 than from cold, especially hoi, sultry, con- 
 fined weather, more especially, hot, and 
 icct. And yet, none of our enclosed co- 
 cooneries are constructed in special refer- 
 ence to this danger. They were all built 
 under the mistaken idea, that cold, is the 
 main thing to guard against. They are, 
 therefore, generally provided with means for 
 warming them, when necessary. But, I 
 know of no one built on the principles of 
 Mr. Sanders's cocoonery, or provided with 
 artificial fans, or in any other way so con- 
 structed, that the air can be at any time, 
 and at all times, effectually, and thoroughly 
 changed. Hence, the result, in large feed- 
 ing establishments, in many, perhaps most, 
 cases, has been unfavorable. Disease breaks 
 out among the worms in the last ages, and 
 sweeps them off*. They generally do well 
 until two-thirds grown. By this time, their 
 excrements become large, and their insen- 
 sible perspiration becomes large, and the 
 quantity of pure air required for them to 
 breathe, is large. Hence,' the air in the 
 room must be constantly changed. If you 
 have brisk winds, day and night, this change 
 is secured through your doors, and windows, 
 and ventilators. Otherwise, it must be done 
 by artificial means; and we trust that our 
 intelligent friend, at Wheeling, will show to 
 the whole nation that worms can be sue- 
 
APPENDIX. 
 
 cessfully fed, in large establishments, on the 
 artificial system of Europe, in a way to 
 make it an exclusive business, as he designs 
 his to be. 
 
 In the meantime, we have triumphantly 
 demonstrated that they can be fed, with 
 entire safety, (except in very early or very 
 late feeding,) in sheds, tents, or any open 
 building, that will give them ample shade, 
 and heaven's pure air essentially unobstruct- 
 ed, so that if the business cannot go forward 
 on the artificial system, it can go upon the 
 natural system. I fully believe it can go 
 upon both systems. 
 
 At Economy, Pa., where the silk culture 
 has been carried on for ten to twelve years, 
 I find that they feed in enclosed buildings 
 entirely, no better ventilated than our co- 
 cooneries generally. And they are uniform- 
 ly successful. They feed successive crops, 
 this year amounting to 22 or 23, and made 
 between 500 and 600 pounds of reeled silk, 
 of the very best quality. The only way 
 that 1 can account for this, their invariable 
 success, is upon the care they bestow upon 
 every step in the business, from first to last. 
 1 will mention one thing. They clean their 
 worms every day, except when moulting. 
 
 They commenced manufacturing silk at 
 this place, four or five years ago, and are 
 making goods of the best quality. Some 
 of the richest samples in my book that I 
 showed you, I obtained at this establish- 
 ment. At this place, also, I found two pow- 
 er looms in operation, as an experiment. 1 
 brought with me a sample of the goods 
 woven, a plain satin, of first-rate quality. 
 At the same establishment, I also found 
 machinery in operation working up floss, 
 silk-waste, damaged and perforated cocoons, 
 and brought with me samples of the yarn 
 spun. It makes a beautiful and valuable 
 article for hosiery, under dresses, and other 
 goods. We have in New England no ma- 
 chinery of this kind, and of course have, 
 suffered a great loss in these articles. I 
 would suggest to all silk-growers, that they 
 hereafter preserve these articles with care, 
 believing, that a home market for them will 
 soon be created. If the damaged and per- 
 forated cocoons are boiled out in soap and 
 dried, they may be safely kept any length 
 of time. In conclusion, I wish to call the 
 attention of our business men, in the East, 
 to the manufacture of silk. We now want 
 establishments for weaving. Under our pres- 
 ent tariff such establishments, rightly con 
 ducted, promise all reasonable profits. As 
 to the .raw material, it can be obtained in 
 any quantity from abroad, until a sufficient 
 supply is furnished from our own fields. It 
 was in reference to this temporary foreign 
 supply, that the duty is fixed at only fifty 
 cents a pound. In regard to skilful opera- 
 tives and able superintendents, there are 
 some already in the country from England 
 and France, and many others ready to come. 
 For some months, I have been in corre- 
 spondence with a gentleman in Lyons, on 
 this subject. He was here -last season, and 
 
 eft us, strong in the belief, that we are to 
 >e a great silk-growing and silk-manufactur- 
 ng people. He is fully recommended by 
 gentlemen in New York, well acquainted 
 with him, as a man of high character, and 
 one that thoroughly understands his busi- 
 ness. By a letter just received, I learn that 
 ie is now ready to come to this country, 
 and take charge of an establishment for 
 manufacturing the best varieties of French 
 goods, and in the best style, if a capital of 
 $ 60,000 can be secured for the purpose, 
 and he will himself furnish one fifth of that 
 capital, that is, $12,000. His plan would 
 be, to commence the business at that point 
 of perfection to which French skill and ex- 
 perience has already brought it. For this 
 purpose, he would have the latest improved 
 French machinery, made here or there, as 
 may be found best, and bring with him a 
 sufficient number of operatives to carry the 
 business, in all its parts, directly forward. He 
 is himself fully confident of results altogeth- 
 er satisfactory. I mention the case in this 
 manner, for the purpose of showing that 
 the necessary practical skill in this business 
 can now be easily secured, and also to invite 
 a correspondence with any gentlemen dis- 
 posed to embark in such an enterprize. 
 Names and references, together with full 
 details of the plan, will be given to any one 
 wishing for the same, in view of such a 
 measure. Yours truly, 
 
 1. R. BARBOUR. 
 
 DEDHAM, Mass , March 29, 1844. 
 
 Dear Sir : You and the American Insti- 
 tute have been of great service to the silk 
 cause, by your collection of letters from so 
 many persons in various parts of our country, 
 detailing their experiments. 
 
 The result of the whole goes to show, that, 
 throughout the vast extent of our country, 
 the mulberry and the silk-worm will flourish, 
 and that the silk products are steadily on the 
 increase, notwithstanding the encounter of 
 many adverse circumstances. 
 
 In answer to your inquiries about the 
 manufacture of silk here, I have to reply, 
 that the New England Silk Company in this 
 place use weekly about 150 pounds of raw 
 silk, which is made into sewings. This is 
 mostly supplied, at present, from the foreign 
 markets, Smyrna, Calcutta, and Canton. Our 
 American silk-growers are not able to supply 
 us with raw materials that can be depended 
 upon, to keep our wheels in motion. Some 
 very favorable lots have been received, how- 
 ever, lately, and manufactured to advantage. 
 What seems most to be desired, in the Amer- 
 ican raw silk, is uniformity in the filature. 
 
 If Mr. Duponceau's plan of having a Nor- 
 man school, to teach reeling silk from the 
 cocoons, could be adopted, or any system of 
 uniformity established throughout the United 
 States, in the mode of reeling, it would be a 
 great point gained. 
 
 I think our silk-growers cannot do better, 
 at present, than to reel their own cocoons, in 
 
APPENDIX. 
 
 77 
 
 imitation of the Piedmontese, and to put up 
 their silk in packages of 10 or 100 pounds, 
 for market. The manufacturer would then 
 be able to manage it better, and pay more 
 for it than he would if he received it of differ- 
 ent lengths and from various kinds of reels, 
 as at present. 
 
 I perceive, by the experiments, that many 
 have failed of success in raising silk-worms, 
 for want of ventilation in their cocooneries. 1 
 know of no surer mode of ventilation than 
 that established by the cotton manufacturers 
 at Manchester, England, by an artificial fan. 
 Their plan of expelling the foul air from 
 their apartments is by fans, made to revolve 
 with the rapidity of nearly 100 feet per sec- 
 ond, and thereby to insure a constant re- 
 newal of the atmosphere in any range of 
 apartments, however large or closely pent 
 they may be. 
 
 One of these fans might easily be con- 
 structed for a cocoonery, which should re- 
 volve with less rapidity and still be effective 
 in removing the foul air. 
 
 There is a drawing of one of these fans, or 
 ventilators, on page 382 of " The Philoso- 
 phy of Manufactures," by Dr. Andrew Ure. 
 The instrument is ingenious and effective. 
 When such a fan was placed in the window 
 at one end of an apartment, 200 feet long, in 
 full action, it threw the air so powerfully out 
 of it as to create a draft at the other end of 
 the apartment, capable of keeping a weighted 
 door six inches ajar. It is easy to see, that 
 a contrivance of this kind would be more 
 economical than to do it by flash fires, ac- 
 cording to Mr. Sanders s plan, and more^ure 
 than any of the common modes of ventilat- 
 ing now in use. 
 
 By persevering in your efforts to collect 
 and diffuse information relative to the silk 
 business, you will merit the thanks of the 
 community, as well as of your humble friend 
 and servant, 
 
 JONATHAN H. COBS, 
 
 Superintendent. 
 
 Rev. I. R. Barbour. 
 
 P. S. As the Dedham mill was the first 
 mill of any considerable size which was set 
 up in the United States, it may be well to 
 give some description of it. 
 
 The building is made of three stories above 
 the basement, which is of stone, one hundred 
 feet by forty. It is situated in the outskirts 
 of the village, convenient to the help, which 
 chiefly consists of young girls whose parents 
 reside in the village. It is near to the Ded- 
 ham Branch Rail-road, being about ten rods 
 south of the depot. There is a never-failing- 
 stream of pure water running the whole 
 length of the building on the easterly side. 
 
 The basement story contains the engine, 
 which is of seven-horse power, requiring an 
 expenditure of about three dollars per day 
 for coal to keep it in operation. Here also 
 is the dyeing and reeling establishment, the 
 repairing shop, and press-room. 
 
 In the second story is the spinning-room, 
 
 one hundred spindles each, the counting- 
 room, and room for putting up silk. 
 
 In the third story is the winding-room, 
 containing eighteen winding-frames, and al- 
 so, a room for drying and skeining silk ; in 
 the third story are the doubling-frames, and 
 pressing-machines, hand-looms, &c. 
 
 In this establishment is manufactured 
 about $50,000 in value per annum of sewing- 
 silk, and also a considerable quantity of nar- 
 row goods : but, owing to the scarcity of 
 the raw material, and other causes, the whole 
 establishment is not in full operation. 
 
 We wish to purchase well-reeled raw silk. 
 C. COLT, Agent of the Company. 
 
 EXTRACT FROM THE REPORT ON 
 SILK, PRESENTED BY MR. BLISS 
 TO THE OHIO LEGISLATURE. 
 
 For the last five years, we have imported , 
 on an average, $18,000,000 worth of silk 
 goods annually. This, in addition to what is 
 raised here, is consumed among us. There 
 can be no doubt buMhe market will be good 
 until we can manufWture an amount equal 
 to that which we import for consumption. 
 Our imports will, in fact, always be just the 
 amount that the consumption of the country 
 exceeds its production. 
 
 The consumption of the article will in- 
 crease in proportion as its product in- 
 creases among us. Silk enters already very 
 largely into the clothing of the people. It 
 is used more or less in every family ; and 
 while it can be had it will not be dispensed 
 with. It is reasonable to suppose, as the 
 article of silk, for which we now send our 
 gold and silver to Europe, becomes more and 
 more the ordinary product of our labor, that 
 a much larger proportion will be used for 
 clothing than is now used. Thus, when we 
 are able to produce an amount equal to our 
 present imports and our present consumption, 
 the increase in our consumption will furnish 
 a market for an amount equal to the present 
 imports, and an addition to it to an amount 
 equal to the increase in our consumption. 
 
 But when we are able to supply the de- 
 mand for home consumption, we need not 
 stop at that limit for the want of a market. 
 The heaviest of our imports are from Great 
 Britain, and will continue to be so. For all 
 that we purchase of her, we must pay in 
 some way. If we have nothing else that 
 she will receive, our gold must go for the pur- 
 pose. England manufactures $75,000,000 
 worth of silk goods annually. She makes 
 them, of course, to sell ; but in the first place, 
 she has to buy every pound of the raw ma- 
 terial, as she cannot raise it. She can make 
 a profit on the manufacture, and as long as 
 she can do this, she ivill have the raw ma 
 terial, if it is to be had. If she can get it in 
 no other way, she will pay the money for it. 
 But she will get it where she can do it at 
 the best advantage ; where, instead of paying 
 
 containing sixteen throwing machines, of I the money, she can exchange her own prod' 
 
78 
 
 APPENDIX. 
 
 vets for it. Are not the commercial rela 
 tions between that country and ours such 
 that she will be likely to buy of us if we car 
 furnish her? She purchases the value of 
 from fifteen to twenty millions annually, of 
 raw silk. She will buy it of us if she can 
 pay us as easily as she can pay others for it 
 Here, then, will be a new market opened 
 The same may be said of France, as she 
 purchases the raw material to the value of 
 several millions annually. 
 
 But there can be no doubt on this point 
 We cannot produce enough to supply the 
 markets that will be opened to us, and not 
 enough to affect materially the price of it 
 The demand will keep ahead of the supply. 
 If, then, we can cultivate the growth of silk, 
 and do it successfully and profitably, and can 
 find a market for all that we can produce, it 
 may be very proper to inquire into 
 
 THE GENERAL IMPORTANCE OF THE CUL- 
 TURE. 
 
 On this point of the subject, a boundless 
 field of inquiry is opened. Your Committee 
 being, none of them, personally engaged in 
 the silk business, and not having given the 
 subject much attentionJfean only suggest 
 such considerations as are the result of lim- 
 ited reading and reflection on the subject. 
 But they beg leave to suggest a few con- 
 siderations why, in their opinion, it is ex- 
 ceedingly important to the interests of the 
 country that it should become a leading 
 branch of national industry. 
 
 The wealth of a country is the product of 
 the labor of that country. Individuals may 
 become wealthy by speculation, and by va- 
 rious means other than by labor; but all 
 that is obtained in this way by one. is taken 
 from the pockets of others, and there is no 
 increase in the aggregate. But the labor of 
 a community will produce something valuable 
 as its necessary result : that is, of course, 
 when the labor performed has that for its 
 object. The wealth of a country w ill increase 
 in proportion as the products of its labor in- 
 crease. Every man can, by his labor, pro- 
 duce something ; and every additional amount 
 of labor, when rightly directed, will give an 
 additional product. To this product will be 
 attached a certain value; and it follows that 
 every product obtained from the additional 
 LABOR of the country, must add something 
 to the aggregate wealth of the country. 
 There can be no doubt but a large amount 
 of the raw material of silk may be produced 
 in this country by labor that in any other 
 business would be unproductive. Most of 
 the labor can be performed by aged persons, 
 children and females, who, without this em- 
 ployment, would produce little or nothing. 
 In fact, the aged and the children would be 
 a tax upon community to the amount of the 
 cost of their support. There are, in the 
 State of Ohio, 1,500,000 inhabitants. Sup- 
 posing that, on an average, each family con- 
 sists of Jive members there are 300,000 fam- 
 ilies in the State. Reducing this again to 
 one fifth, would leave 60,000. Does any 
 person doubt but there are 60,000 families in 
 
 the State of Ohio that can produce, each, 
 ten pounds of raw silk every year, without 
 the cost of any additional labor? It can be 
 produced mostly by labor that would other- 
 wise be unproductive. On this supposition, 
 the product of the 60,000 families would be 
 600,000 pounds of raw silk. This, at $5 a 
 pound, would be a product of $3,000,000 to 
 the people of the State. But, while there 
 are 60,000 that can produce ten pounds each, 
 there are one half that number that can pro- 
 duce twice that amount. This would give 
 an additional amount of 300,000 p< uTids, 
 worth $1,500,000; in all, a product worth 
 $4,500,000 to the public. This could be 
 done, and the products of the State in every 
 other particular, be as large as they now are. 
 This would as really be an addition to the 
 wealth of the State as though the amount 
 were coined expressly for her benefit. It is 
 the product of labor otherwise unproductive, 
 and so much clear benefit to the people. 
 
 But look at the same calculation for the 
 whole Union. We have 1;~>,000,000 of peo- 
 ple. One fifth of that number is 3,000,000, 
 and one fifth of that number is 600,000. A 
 product of ten pounds, each, would be 6,- 
 )00,000 pounds ; at $5 per pound, it would 
 be $30,000,000. This is the raw material ; 
 and this is made without any reference to 
 the vast numbers who will make the siik 
 culture their business, and who will conse- 
 quently produce a much larger amount. 
 
 But further : as soon as the raw material 
 
 produced, manufactories will be established 
 throughout the country. The only reason 
 hat they have not hitherto increased, is the 
 "act that the raw material could not be pro- 
 cured to work up. Manufacturers are only 
 waiting for this. When we can manufacture 
 ur own product of the raw material, we 
 shall of course save to the country the profit 
 irising from the manufacture. 
 
 The above calculations may appear ex- 
 ravagant and visionary. But, from what 
 ittle examination we have been able to give 
 he subject, we are persuaded that the esti- 
 nates are too moderate, rather than other- 
 vise. Mr. G. B. Smith, of Baltimore, a 
 gentleman in whose opinions all who are 
 nterested in the culture will have great con- 
 fidence, in a number of the Silk Journal, 
 says : " But let us make a calculation, for 
 lie formers' domestic use, for the production 
 if silk as a domestic article in all our farm- 
 ers' families, whence the invention of ma- 
 hinery has expelled the spinning-wheel, and 
 where very little profitable employment has 
 leen left to the females and junior and senior 
 members. Suppose the farmer has an acre 
 f ground planted with 5000 trees ; his 
 hildren gather the leaves, and his daughters 
 eed and attend to 80,000 worms. This they 
 an do without materially interfering with 
 any other arrangement of business or pleas- 
 ure. They then reel the cocoons during 
 heir hours of leisure, and the result is 
 wenty-four pounds of reeled silk the first 
 rear the trees were planted, worth to them 
 j>144, without a cent of cost, or the addition 
 
APPENDIX. 
 
 79 
 
 of a cent to the expenses of the farm." If 
 this calculation is a reasonable one, ours is 
 certainly not extravagant. Much might be 
 added to it, and then fall far below the point 
 beyond which we shall not probably go. 
 
 But further : the following is a statement 
 of our exports and imports, from 1833 to 
 1841, inclusive. 
 Ye;irs. Exports. Imports. 
 
 1833 $90,140,433 $108,118,311 
 
 1834 .104,336>33 126,521,332 
 
 1835 121 793 577 149,893,742 
 
 1836 128,773,040 189,980,035 
 
 1837 118,419,376 110,980,177 
 
 1838 108,486,616 113,717,404 
 
 1839 121,028,416 162,092,132 
 
 1840 131,581,950 104,804,861 
 
 Total . . .$923,340,381 $1 ,096, 1 1 1 ,024 
 
 It will be seen, that the balance against us, 
 in the eight years, is one hundred and seventij- 
 twu iniUiuns seven hundred and seventy thou- 
 sand dollars. To this enormous extent, there 
 was a debt created against us. We bought 
 more than we sold. And to pay this debt, 
 the precious metals were taken out of the 
 country, and the necessary result was pe- 
 cuniary embarrassment. This will always, 
 necessarily, be the case, when we send our 
 money out of the country, whether for the 
 purchase of goods, or for any other purpose ; 
 as long as we can pay for what we buy with 
 our own products, our money remains with 
 us, and is used as a circulating medium. 
 The only remedy for the evil is, either to 
 buy less or to sell more, or perhaps both. 
 The excess against us, caused by the excess 
 of our imports over our exports, for eight 
 years, is as is above stated. From 1835 to 
 1840, inclusive, the balance against us, was 
 $132,607,723; and, during the same period, 
 we imported silk to the amount of $105,- 
 992,190, or nearly $18,000,000, per annum. 
 We have paid so much for silks which we 
 might as well have produced ourselves. The 
 money so paid is a loss to the country. In 
 1839, we purchased of other countries, silk 
 to the amount of nearly $23,000,000, as 
 follows : 
 Silks from India and China, piece 
 
 goods $1,738,509 
 
 " from India & China, sewings. 50,650 
 " sewings from other places... 78,884 
 
 raw silk 39,258 
 
 " from other places than India, 
 
 veils, shawls, &c., &c . . . . 345,490 
 " other manufactures from 
 
 other places than India,. .18,685,295 
 
 Manufactures of silk and worsted 
 
 $2.319,884, (allowing one half 
 
 the value to be silk,) 1,159,942 
 
 Total $22,838,028 
 
 The importations of silk are one fourth 
 
 more than of any other article. 
 
 The amount of cotton manufac- 
 tures imported was $14,692,397 
 
 Of iron 
 
 Of cloths and cassimeres 
 
 Other woollen manufactures .... 3,507,161 
 
 One half the value of silks and 
 
 worsteds 1,159,942 
 
 Total woollen goods 18,831, J07 
 
 The amount of silk nearly equals that of 
 woollen and linen together, and is equal to 
 one half of all other fabrics combined. Is 
 _t not then an important consideration, that 
 this expenditure be saved to the nation? 
 Abs.tract the article of silk from the cata- 
 logue of imports, and ' our indebtedness 
 would be trifling. But, in addition to the 
 debt incurred by our annual purchase, there 
 is the interest on the loans made by the 
 States, of $12,000,000 a year to be met, and 
 an enormous debt of $2()i 1,000,000, being the 
 loans themselves, that must be paid some 
 how or other. How can it be done ? It can, 
 every cent of it, be paid by our exports of silk. 
 After raising enough for home consumption, 
 the world is then open to receive all that we 
 can produce. 
 
 In the Burlington, N. J., Silk Record, for 
 Jan. 1842, it is stated, that' 
 
 " In England, the importation of raw silk, 
 from the year 1821 to 1.828, was 24,157,568 
 Ibs. ; which, when manufactured, was worth 
 120,770,580 sterling; and the hands re- 
 quired for its manufacture were more than 
 400,000. This sum is equal to $5:36,222,237 ! 
 or $70,190,462 each year. Of this amount, 
 Italy alone furnished $59,881,233. In 1835, 
 Great Britain consumed, at wholesale prices, 
 to the value of $28,2o2,582 of manufactured 
 silks. The sum paid to weavers alone, not 
 taking into the account what was paid for 
 throwsting, winders, doublets, drawers, warp- 
 ers, the soap, the dye-stuffs, and to various 
 mechanics, was little short of $14,000,000 ; 
 the amount of silk goods, now produced in 
 that kingdom, is stated to be seventy-five 
 millions of dollars! But they raise not a 
 pound of the raw material. 
 
 " France manufactures $28,000,000 of silk, 
 and imports of the raw material from eight 
 to ten millions of dollars worth. She could 
 manufacture annually $50,000,000 worth, 
 could she procure it. England and France, 
 in common with all civilized nations, are 
 competitors for this precious material, wher- 
 ever found ; but especially Germany, Prus- 
 sia, and Russia, would enter the field, 
 making annual demands upon us, could we 
 supply them, for from 50 to 100,000,000 
 pounds!" 
 
 We can export nothing else that will ac- 
 complish the object. We can raise grain, 
 but where shall we find a market for it ? 
 The product of our cotton fields already 
 equals the demand for it; and in a little 
 time longer, when its cultivation becomes 
 more extensive in British India, there will 
 not be a market for all that we now pro- 
 duce. 
 
INDEX. 
 
 Page 
 
 Circular of the American Institute, 3 
 
 Organization of the Convention, 4 
 
 Opening Address by Gen. Tallmadge, 5 
 
 Communication from the N. E. Silk Convention, 5 
 
 Silk Culture in France, 6 
 
 Address, in Niblo's Saloon, by I. R. Barbour,..' 7 
 
 Address, 'in Niblo's Saloon, by G. B. Smith, 10 
 
 Resolutions, as adopted by the Convention, 14 
 
 Letters from the State Treasurers, 17 
 
 Editorial Remarks on the Correspondence presented, 18 
 
 Results of Open Feeding in Maine, 19, 24, 32 
 
 Results of Open Feeding in Ohio, 19, 35, 67 
 
 Large Results in Pennsylvania, ] 9, 35 
 
 Good Results in Vermont, 20,21,43,44,49 
 
 Disastrous Results in Auburn, New York, .20 
 
 Testimony from Michigan, 21 
 
 Open Feeding in New Hampshire, .22 
 
 Poultry Houses dangerous to Worms, 22 
 
 Feeding in Arkansas, 23 
 
 Sinclair's Feeding, Baltimore, 23, 24 
 
 Open and Artificial Feeding in Kentucky, 25 
 
 Preserving Eggs, 26 
 
 Mellen's Experiments, Madison, New York, 26 
 
 Oregon Mulberry, 27 
 
 Feeding in Madison Co., New York, 28, 29, 52 
 
 Decided Results in Open Feeding, Northampton, .29, 47, 62 
 
 Piedmontese Reel (best), .' 32 
 
 Feeding in Indiana, * 33 
 
 Open Feeding in Sunderland, 34 
 
 Artificial Feeding in Charlemont, Mass., 37 
 
 Artificial Feeding in Delaware, 37 
 
 Artificial Feeding in New Jersey, 40 
 
 Cantelo's Winding Rack, 41 
 
 Canton Mulberry, 39, 47 
 
 Good beginning in Mississippi, 43 
 
 Dix's Experiments, Ithaca, New York, 45 
 
 Barton's Experiments, Gill, Massachusetts, 45 
 
 Silk Prospects in Georgia, 52 
 
 Disastrous Results with Mulberry-Trees, 55 
 
 Belcher &/ Son's Experiments, Richford, New York, 57 
 
 Montague's Experiments, Belchertown, Mass, 58 
 
 Mrs. McLanahan's Experiments, Philadelphia, 59 
 
 Large Results in Tennessee, 66, 67 
 
 Gill's Experiments, Mount Pleasant, Ohio, ..67 
 
 Premiums awarded by the Institute, 69 
 
 Medal offered for Bark Silk, 70 
 
 Medal offered for Mulberry-Paper, 70 
 
 Notice of another Convention, 70 
 
 Annual Reports on Silk for a Course of Years, 71 
 
 Blank Schedule for Silk Growers, 72 
 
 Blank Schedule for Silk Manufacturers, , 73 
 
 APPENDIX. 
 
 Page. 
 
 Facts lately collected by I. R. Barbour, 74 
 
 Letter from J. W. Cobb, 76 
 
 Extracts from Report to the Ohio Legislature, 77