SILK. 183 



worms. The second year that I cultivated the worm, 

 only a hundred and ninety cocoons of the large speck- 

 led Lombardy worm were required to the pound. 

 M. Bonafous says, that two hundred and fifty will 

 make a pound; while Mr. D'Homergue makes three 

 hundred and thirty weigh a pound. From 8000 co- 

 Coons Mr. Cobb reeled three pounds of silk. Count 

 de Hazzi informs us, that from eight or ten pounds of 

 cocoons, a pound of reeled silk may be obtained. 

 Eight pounds of cocoons, or about 8000, make a bush- 

 el ; from which, two to three pounds of reeled silk 

 may be expected. The difference in these calcula- 

 tions is owing to the different kinds of worms, and 

 the manner of feeding. The cocoons of worms of 

 the large species, are three times as large as those of 

 the small species, 



In conclusion I must observe, that putting the pro- 

 fits of the silk culture at the lowest estimate, the bu- 

 siness is still profitable; and I recommend all who 

 are properly situated to embark in it. I have had 

 the honor of introducing the culture of the Mulberry, 

 and the rearing of worms into a part of the state of 

 Delaware, with fine prospects of success. May they 

 reap the reward, as I have no doubt they will, of 

 their enterprize. 



