IV INTRODUCTION. 



The nations of Europe are generally engaged in the cul- 

 ture and manufacture of silk. France, more than any other 

 nation, derives her power and resources mainly from this 

 branch of her industry ; her example has induced England, 

 Holland, Germany, Prussia and Sweden to engage with zeal 

 in the same pursuit. 



The culture of silk is important in relation to the amount of 

 silk imported and consumed in this country, which exceeds 

 seven millions of dollars, while the amount of bread stuff 

 exported is on the average less than six millions of dollars ! 

 Facts like these need no comment ; yet it is proper that we 

 should bear in mind, that the vast sums thus expended for 

 silk in its various forms, are paid indirectly to enrich the 

 Agriculture and Manufacture of other nations, the raw 

 material of which may be produced here with as much cer- 

 tainty as cotton or any other staple product. 



The article of silk has already been produced by a few of 

 our citizens in small quantities, of a quality not inferior to the 

 best imported. Jonathan H. Cobb, Esq. of Dedham, has com- 

 menced the culture of silk with success, and has introduced 

 some valuable improvements, especially in the art of reeling 

 from the cocoon, and it is due to that gentleman, that the 

 Committee should remark, that it is from practical information 

 communicated by him, that they have derived some important 

 facts in relation to this subject. 



The state of society in this Commonwealth is well adapt- 

 ed to promote the successful culture of silk : it is an em- 

 ployment, in which females and children may be honorably 

 and profitably engaged ; with the exception of planting the 

 Mulberry tree, the whole labor may be performed by that 

 class of the community. The Committee feel warranted in 



