INTRODUCTION 



THE translation of a Chinese Work, which treats of a great branch 

 of industry established for a long time on our soil, is an enterprise 

 which will be variously appreciated. Whatever may be the opinion 

 of those who raise the silk worms, and of the learned persons who 

 will read this publication, I hope it will always remain as a testimony 

 of the superiority of the Chinese in all the practical details embra- 

 ced in the culture of silk, and the surprising results which they have 

 obtained. 



Some minds, influenced by ancient traditions, will perhaps consider 

 this multitude of trifling attentions, which the Chinese lavish upon 

 the silk worms, as childish ; others will only see some proceedings 

 little different from theirs in appearance, or will say, that they may 

 be proper to the climate of China, and not be applicable in ours ; 

 and, perhaps, some persons will forget the work, after having read it. 

 But time and experience will, I hope, cause these natural methods, 

 these delicate attentions, these wise and multiplied precautions the 

 Chinese Authors recommend, to be appreciated at their just value. 



It is easy to comprehend that an observing People, who invented 

 before Europe, the compass, printing, and gunpowder, and who for 

 forty centuries regarded the culture of silk as its principal source of 

 wealth, have brought it to a high degree of perfection, and we can- 

 not do better than go to the fountain head for new light and the 

 latest improvements. 



If by a judicious application of the Chinese methods, we can 

 equal their success, the aspect of that branch of industry will soon 

 be changed in France. It will then assume a more stable character ; 

 the uncertainty now dreaded, will make room for a sure and regular 

 system, which will relieve the raising of the silk worms from the 



