122 CULTIVATION OP 



they lack in quantity is recompensed by the quality, 

 and though more tedious to gather, it will require a 

 less number to produce a given quantum of silk. The 

 silk will also be stronger, and of a finer, smoother 

 texture. 



Our Legislatures are beginning to awake' to the in- 

 terest of the people and the nation at large, and with a 

 liberal hand, worthy the munificence of the greatest 

 Republic in the world, are offering a bounty or pre- 

 mium for every pound of silk raised or reeled. Con- 

 fucius, the great philosopher of China, acknowledged 

 and declared, that China was indebted for her great 

 wealth and splendor to the tree called the Morus 

 Multicaulis, or Chinese Mulberry, Every incentive 

 should be used to stimulate and arouse our people to 

 this grand subject ; for I religiously believe, that the 

 culture of silk will prove a fountain of wealth to the 

 country. There is no country under Heaven better 

 calculated for the business than the United States, 

 particularly the Middle and Southern states. The 

 climate is- adapted to the growth of the Mulberry, 

 and particularly suited to the nature and instinct of 

 the worm. There is every inducement that can pos- 

 sibly be offered, for the people of the Middle States 

 to engage in this healthful, profitable, pleasing em- 

 ployment; and that it is profitable, no one will pre- 

 tend to deny. The expenses are not great. A co- 

 coonery may be built for, comparatively, a small 

 sum, as there is no finish about it, requiring nothing 



