INTRODUCTION. V 



saying that so soon as the article can be produced, a good 

 home market will be found at such prices as to afford a profit 

 on the expense and labor bestowed upon it. The White 

 Mulberry tree is easily cultivated, does not require the best 

 soil, serves a valuable purpose for hedges, and is highly 

 ornamental. 



The Committee are satisfied that little capital is required to 

 commence the culture of silk, except that capital which con- 

 sists in knowledge. It is INFORMATION which is the founda- 

 tion of Agriculture, as well as other arts. Nothing is so well 

 calculated to call the attention of the public to this subject as 

 information respecting its value, and the means by which 

 our citizens may avail themselves of the advantages which 

 are connected with it ; for the purpose of disseminating this 

 information the Committee have thought it their duty to report 

 the following resolution. 



Which is respectfully submitted. 



For the Committee, ' ABEL WHEELER, Chairman . 



House of Representatives, Feb. 24, 1831. 



Resolved, That his Excellency the Governor be requested 

 to cause to be compiled and printed a concise MANUAL, to 

 contain the best information respecting the growth of the 

 MULBERRY TREE, with suitable directions for the culture of 

 SILK, and that this manual be distributed in suitable num- 

 bers in the city of Boston, and to every town in the Common- 

 wealth. That to defray the expense thus incurred, he be 

 authorized to draw his warrant on the treasury for a sum not 

 exceeding six hundred dollars. 

 1* 



