43 



tions are predicated upon an increase of half a pound of 

 leaves a year to a tree after they are transplanted, until 

 they are full grown, and this must be low ; for in Mans- 

 field, Conn, it is said full-grown trees produce from 50 to 

 60 Ibs. each. And in these calculations the proprietor 

 does none of the labor, except putting the leaves out on 

 shares ; and those who take them make more than com- 

 mon wages at the business. It is an honorable business, 

 for in ancient times virtuous women were clothed with 

 silk. See Proverbs, xxxi, 10,22. 



Now, let a young man of 21 years of age, of steady hab- 

 its purchase such an establishment, and mortgage it for 

 security of the payment, and get it insured against fire 

 and other casualties, and put the leaves out on shares, 

 and work himself at some mechanical or agricultural em- 

 ployment, he would at the expiration of twenty years, if 

 a temperate man, undoubtedly acquire double the pro- 

 perty which the greater number of professional men at- 

 tain to, who must have a large sum expended upon them 

 previous to commencing business. Upon the correctness 

 of the foregoing calculations and remarks, every one 

 will judge for himself. 



