514 [Senate 



ture or factory, and depend upon American cocoons for a supply ; 

 whereas if anything like an adequate supply could be obtained the 

 whole business would go forward. But the greatest hindrance, and 

 one which acts as a dead weight, is the unjustifiable partiality of our 

 citizens for foreign manufactures. To accommodate this preference, 

 much American silk is sold as Italian, and neither salesman or pur- 

 chaser knows the imposition. Hence I am led to the conclusion, 

 that unless the ladies generally can be induced to patronize the enter- 

 prise, and prefer domestic silk whenever they can get a good article, 

 the cause must drag along heavily for many years to come. Depend 

 upon it, female influence is the mighty lever which must put the 

 whole machinery in operation. I have recently sent money to New- 

 York for the purchase of raw silk, which I should gladly have ex- 

 pended for cocoons, but could not get them. 



Richard Spaulding, Jaffrey^ Jf. H. — I have been experimenting 

 some for four years. Commenced with twenty-one multicaulis trees, 

 and have increased them to eight thousand. Last year had five pecks 

 of cocoons, this year between four and five bushels, and might have 

 had as many more, had we been supplied with eggs. I feed in an 

 unfinished room in my dwelling, and use artificial heat in cold 

 weather. 



I have made me a reel after a drawing of Dale's Silk Reels, and 

 a spinner and twister on a plan of my own. A sample of my sew- 

 ing silk I enclose and send you. I am a farmer, and have no doubt 

 the culture of silk can be made as profitable as any other branch. 

 (The sample enclosed is certainly among the best samples received. 

 A. C. V. E.) 



James Hamilton, Jr., Bridport, Vf. — It is six years since we 

 commenced feeding worms. In 1839 we raised half a pound of co- 

 coons ; in 1840 four pounds, 1842 thirty-five pounds, 1843 sixty 

 pounds, and 1844 sixty-five pounds. We commenced feeding this 

 year the 12th of May. The first day's hatching we fed with dry 

 foliage, as an experiment. After the first moulting we had a heavy 

 frost which killed most of our leaves, and we were obliged, also, to 

 feed our second day's hatching on dry leaves. The first came up 

 pretty fair until the third moulting, when some of them died, but did 

 much better than those fed on green leaves ; they soon began to dwin- 

 dle, and not more than half of them spun. We had leaves enough 

 for twice as many as we fed, but could get no eggs. Our trees are 

 principally multicaulis, half an acre. 



Dr. M. W. Vnihivs, Log-Hall, Edwards^ Depot, Miss. — Gentlemen, 

 your address to silk growers reached me a short time since through 

 due course of mail. 



My situation in life makes it impracticable for me to indulge in such 

 luscious fare as that to which yours would invite me — visiting your 

 meeting. I am the loser, and no one can " calculate the value" of 

 such a loss, but he who is too poor, and yet over anxious to indulge. 

 I am forced to give my personal attention to my business ; you will 

 therefore please accept what little I have to offer. 



