As much has been said in regard to spreading information on silk cul- 

 ture among our people, there seems to be a necessity for doing so in a 

 manner to encourage this industry among those who would be most likely 

 to engage in it — and as ignorance of the means of gaining information — 

 time and trouble necessary to do so, and the supposed difficulties and ex- 

 pense of starting the work, have no doubt deterred thousands from attempt- 

 ing it. I offer this book of instruction, which meets all these difficulties, at 

 a price placing it within the reach of all. I do not wish it understood that 

 I claim the instructions to be entirely original with myself — but I do claim, 

 that from personal experience, and information I have gained from the best 

 authorities on this subject, my instructions, if followed, will enable anyone 

 to raise silk successfully. 1 hope by this means to encourage and start in 

 the work, those who are not able to spare time and money for instructions 

 at a school, and those who have no opportunities of visiting places where 

 the necessary information can be obtained. The work contains all the in- 

 formation required for beginners in this beautiful industry, which is fast 

 becoming of national importance. I should not venture to introduce it, 

 were it not for the success I have met with by following the rules laid down 

 in it, and the attention I have paid to gain knowledge of the work. My 

 daughter, when not yet 14 years of age, was presented with a "diploma" as 

 a special premium, by the Pennsylvania State Agricultural Society (at their 

 last fair, held in this city at the Permanent Exhibition Building) for the ex- 

 cellent quality of silk, cocoons, etc., raised by herself. 



I take pleasure in referring to the following named gentlemen, Officers 

 of the Association : 



PBESIDENT, 



WM. S. BISSELL, Esq., Pittsburgh, Pa. 



riCE-l^ItESIDEKTS, 



DR. ALFRED L. KENNEDY, Philadelphia. 



WM. H. HOLSTEIN, Esq., Montgomery Co., 



JOHN Mcdowell, Esq., Washington Co., Pa, 



