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explaining the various processes followed in the manufacture of the 

 different articles. After devoting some time to an examination of the 

 system followed in the manufacture of raw silk — the branch of 

 industry to which my particular attention had been directed by the 

 Chief Commissioner* — ColonelBrowne hadto leave for a Committee; 

 but still I was never at a loss for information on any subject, for 

 Mr. Parrot seemed to have taken a deep interest in all the 

 branches of jail industry, including horticulture. 



The process followed in the manufacture of raw silk has already 

 been so carefully described by Colonel Browne, in the British 

 Burma Gazette, that on this subject no more need be said. In the 

 rearing of the insect the system is faultless ; the three essentials 

 to success — good ventilation, abundance of green food at the right 

 time, and cleanliness — all having been carefully observed. In the 

 process of winding, however, I noticed that the water in which the 

 cocoons were boiled had been allowed to reach too high a tempera- 

 ture, which is apt not only to harden the silk, but also weaken it. 

 There appeared, also, a want of care in reeling, so as to reduce 

 the number of fibres taken up to a minimum. "We noticed as 

 many as six picked up and formed into one thread : this causes 

 goutiness, which materially decreases the value of the staple. 

 These errors are easily remedied, and no doubt my suggestions 

 have already been acted on. There is no reason, that I can see, 

 why, with a little more careful manipulation, and an abimdance of 

 green food, a far superior quality of silk may not be introduced 

 into the market than what we have at present ; and, judging 

 from a letter received from Mr. Blechynden, Secretary, Agri- 

 Horticultural Society of India, I am inclined to think the art of 

 sericulture has retrograded of late years. This gentleman writes : 

 " From what I have seen of silk from Burma, I agree with you, 

 and think it might be considerably improved by care and attention. 

 Some samples that came before me (the first I had ever seen 

 from Burma) some twenty years ago, were really very good, and 

 impressed me with the conviction that the country was well suited 

 for the development of silk culture. Regarding the species of worm 

 from which the silk of Burma is obtained, I will not at present 

 hazard an opinion, for I cannot speak with any certainty. I had 

 hoped ere this to have been able to satisfactorily dispose of this 

 question by replies to references made to Europe ; but I have 

 been most unfortunate : my first consignment of worms, &c, never 



* Vide No. 2579-94F., dated 16th September 1873, from the Secretary to the Chief 

 Commissioner, British Burma, Public Works Department, to Conservator of Forests, 

 British Burrua. 



