SILK CULTURE. 



157 



may be mentioned that other species of silkworms known as Li- 

 voltine or multivoltine hatch out twice or several times durin^r the 

 year, but they are liable to degenerate and their produce docs not 

 compare favourably with that of the annual silkworm. 



Under the usual method of raising one crop only, it is clear that all 

 the appliances for rearing that crop must be idle for the greater 

 portion of the year, whereas, on the other hand, provided there be a 

 sufficient supply of mulberry leaf, under the method of successive? 

 rearings, those appliances, the rearing shed, &c., can be kept con- 

 stantly occupied and in use- 

 In January, 1 894, operations were begun at an old mulljcrry plantation 

 at Booral, near Stroud, about 25 miles north of Eaymond Terrace. 

 This plantation, of about 7 acres, was made by the Australian 

 Agricultural Company for the purpose of inducing settlers to take up 

 the industry, and silkworms were reared to some extent, but the pro- 

 ject was abandoned after a short time, and the plantation became 

 greatly neglected. The Government leased this property at a nominal 

 rent, as many of the mulberries appeared to be sufficiently vigorous to 

 justify a start being made there. 



Thanks to the liljerality of an Italian gentleman. Signer Martclli, 

 who many years ago had made great efforts to establish sericulture 

 in Victoria, but without success, a good start was made with the 

 industry. He has lately resided at Fiji, and visiting Sydney on 

 a journey to Italy, happened to read press comments on the report 

 on sericulture before mentioned. His interest in the subject revived, 

 and desiring to assist as much as possible in promoting it, procured 

 in Italy, and brought out successfully, a fine supply of the best 

 varieties of Italian silkworm eggs. These he presented to the Depart- 

 ment of xlgriculture, and Mr. Brady took in hand their rearing; and 

 notwithstanding the poor shed accommodation at the Booral plan- 

 tation, and the indiiferent quality of the mulberry leaf, owing to the 

 generally neglected condition of the trees, the results of the rearing 

 were satisfactory; the silkworms acclimated, and a splendid stock of 

 graine secured for future requirements. 



It may be mentioned that the main object at Booral is an educational 

 one, the intentions of the Government being to enable persons having 

 a real desire to acquire a knowledge of the arts contributory to the 

 rearing of silkworms to acquire the practical knowledge and experi- 

 ence up to the stages in which they have been developed in Australia. 

 One of the inhabitants at Booral, Mr. S. Carnell, a local landlu.lder, 

 on witnessing the various operations which were carried on in the old 

 shed, placed his property at the disposal of the Government, and 

 engaged to erect improvements required, and to lease the whole to the 

 Government on very favourable terms. The demonstrations made in 

 consequence have proved most attractive ; many preconceived but 

 erroneous ideas have been eradicated; more just appreciation has taken 

 the place of prejudice and doubts, and the utility of such an establish- 

 ment is already upheld. The rearing of successive crops is m full 

 operation, and will continue as long as there is food available. 



Intending pupils who wish to acquire a mastery of the art of raising 

 silk for commercial purposes should make application to the Depart- 

 ment of Agriculture. 



