i6 SILK CULTURE. 



crossing of the strands. In the end it will be seen that it takes ten 

 or more of the simple threads spun by the worm to compose the 

 staple thread. The loose, " flock" silk, together with all that cannot be 

 reeled, is soaked in water for three days, boiled in clear lye for half an hour, 

 washed in rain-water, and, when dry, is carded and spun. This shows that 

 it would hardly be safe for individuals to reel their own silk. 



CONCLUSION. 



In conclusion, I wo\ild state that there is a market at Marseilles, France, 

 for choked cocoons, which can be packed in bales about 5 by 6 feet in size, 

 which average about 40 pounds, and shipped there at a rate of freight cost- 

 ii^g $3-oo per hundred pounds. As high as $2.50 net, has been obtained for 

 them there. Eggs raised in this country, which are generally free from 

 disease, have been sold from $5.00 to gS.oo per ounce. 



As in taking the lowest Climate, 200 cocoons, half male and half 

 female, will give i ounce, or 40,000 eggs, which are marketable now at $5 

 per ounce, it will be seen that this branch of the business is profitable. 

 Whole choked cocoons, at $1.50 to $2.00 per pound, and pierced cocoons 

 and flock silk at ^i. 00 to $1.50 per pound, will add to the profit, so that in 

 the whole, silk-raising will give a very good return for the very small 

 expense and the labor and care involved. It will add to the income of 

 thousands of families in the United States by giving light and easy employ- 

 ment for a few months each year to the aged, the young, and particularly 

 to the women of the family, who have no other profitable employment for 

 their time. 



Any further information which may be required I will cheerfully give. 

 Address, with stamp enclosed, 



C. H. ROSSITER, 

 No I Fern Place, 13 17 Heath street, Philadelphia, Pa. 



