1 1 i: 17,', J 



PREFACE. 



In considering the subject of the culture of silk, it was the first in- 

 tention of the writer of this Manual to compose an entire treatise in 

 his own language; and some progress in the collection of materials 

 for it was made; when, upon a careful perusal of the work by Count 

 Dandolo, of Italy, it was found to embrace every part of the art of 

 rearing silkworms, so much more fully than any of the numerous 

 treatises, in English or French, which the writer had read, and ex- 

 hibited, throughout, such marks of method, so much pains, intelli- 

 gence, and attention, such scrupulous accuracy, in all his proceed- 

 Jngs and directions, that it was deemed most adviseable to make it the 

 basis of the intended Manual. The author wrote from ample expe- 

 rience in the art upon which he undertook to instruct others; and it 

 appears from a late traveller,* and writers on silkworms, that his plan 

 for their treatment has generally been substituted for those formerly 

 adopted in Italy and France. Dandolo's work has, therefore, been 

 carefully abridged; a measure rendered necessary from its diffuse 

 nature, and the many details and particulars of minute inquiries into 

 circumstances connected with the silk culture given therein, but which 

 do not lead to any profitable result. These are omitted, and nothing 

 inserted but that which is purely practical. Having the use of the 

 original work in Italian, and the French translation, from which the 

 English version was made, the errors of the latter were corrected. 



The directions and plans of this experienced author, refer to a 

 large establishment of five ounces of eggs, but the intelligent culti- 

 vator will readily apply them to a scale of any size; in all cases, the 

 practical results will be similar. 



To the directions and observations of Dandolo, many others are 

 added, which were derived from an extensive correspondence insti- 

 tuted by the Secretary of the Treasury, in all parts of the Union, on 

 the subject matter of the resolution of the House of Representatives, 

 as well as from information taken from the most valuable and recent 

 publications obtained by the Secretary, from different parts of Europe. 

 To these abundant sources of knowledge, were added others, which 

 the writer himself was able to command; among these was a free 

 access, during the past year, to a large establishment, conducted upon 

 the plan pointed out by Count Dandolo. To the practical part are 

 prefixed a short history of silk in ancient times; an account of the 

 former and present state of its culture in North America: and the 

 natural history of the silkworm. 



• Mr, J. Murray — Treatise on Silkworms, Edinburgh, 3826. 



