No. 85.] 289 



a decisive meed of approbation from the board, and be approximat- 

 ing the period to which his own mind looks forward with so much 

 interest — when, as a nation, we shall become producers of silk not 

 only for home supply, but for foreign exportation. 



ALEXANDER WALSH. 



MR. STEBBINS' COMMUNICATION. 



Several years since, the merino speculation was so rife, that $1,200 

 to $1,500 were asked for a single sheep. The feverish pulse was in 

 bj;isk circulation a few years ; but a crisis came, and the same grade 

 of sheep declined in price, something according to the value of the ani- 

 mal for growing wool. So in the mulberry speculation — the trees 

 were sold for prices far above their intrinsic value for growing silk, 

 and the bubble burst. During the abatement of the merino specula- 

 tion, some became so disgusted as to rid themselves of every thing 

 that looked sheepish. A few, however, held on, showing by exam- 

 ple that the raising of wool would yield a reasonable profit. So it 

 was with the mulberry speculation : not one in a hundred ever ex- 

 pected to raise a pound of silk, yet called themselves silk growers. 

 But soon as the market became overstocked with trees, an indiscri- 

 minate destruction of the mulberry commenced, and they are now 

 comparatively scarce. The very name of multicaulis became detest- 

 able. A few persons, however, held on, and are now showing up the 

 business in a way to advance the general good. 



With regard to silk culture at the present time, the experience of 

 the year 1844 has clearly demonstrated the practicability and utility 

 of early open feeding, as the best course to insure a healthy and pro- 

 fitable crop. 



That worms, being faithfully and attentively fed in the early stages, 

 will ordinarily pass safely through every change to the cocoon ; but 

 this attention must be constant, day by day, or disappointment will 

 be the result. 



Gill's ventilating cradle has proved an admirable contrivance to 

 diminish labor — to promote the health of the worm, and increase the 

 quantity of silk. 



The present year's observation on the early production of foliage, 

 has resulted in the fact, that the genuine Canton mulberry was the 

 earliest to develop its foliage for feeding worms. 



That if tlie silk grower can have plenty of genuine Canton for leaf 

 feeding, and of the Asiatic for branch feeding, he may, with proper 

 attention, expect a good return of cocoons. 



The longer that silk worms are kept on feed, the less will be the 

 yield of silk. Worms carried through in thirty days, or less, will or- 

 dinarily yield twenty-five per cent more of silk, than when on feed 

 forty days or over. 



Although the one early crop has been considered the safest, yet 



[Senate, No. 85.] T 



