INTRODUCTION. 



HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES. 



THURSDAY, FEB. 24, 1831. 



MR WHEELER, from the Committee on Agriculture, 

 who were instructed to consider the expediency of en- 

 couraging the growth of the MULBERRY TREE, and the 

 Culture of SILK, made the following 



REPORT. 



The Committee have examined the subject attentively, 

 and find it to be of much greater importance than was at first 

 supposed. They are surprised to find how great a field is 

 here open, and how long it has been neglected ; they are 

 satisfied beyond a doubt, that we have the power to produce 

 and manufacture Silk in this Commonwealth to an immense 

 extent, and that no difficulty is to be encountered either from 

 soil or climate. 



The nations of Europe are generally engaged in the cul- 

 ture and manufacture of silk. France, more than any other 

 nation, derives her power and resources mainly from this 

 branch of her industry ; her example has induced England, 



