485 



dimensions daily. Dirt and filth rapidly accunaulate, signs of putres- 

 cent decomposition begin to appear, the weather is perhaps moist 

 and suUry, and finally wc perceive indications of disease and confusion. 

 These considerations teach us the necessity of preparation, and of per- 

 fecting our systems with prudent forecast. 



The sudden and enormous demand of labor in the fifth age, is the 

 great barrier to an unlimited production of silk. It in a great degree 

 prohibits the application of capital, and the culture of silk naturally be- 

 comes an incidental branch of agriculture. Whoever discovers the 

 method of dispensing whh the tedious labors of this age, will confer 

 everlasting obligations upon his country. That it will be systematized, 

 and even in a great degree abolished, I think no one who is acquaint- 

 ed with the subject can reasonably doubt. It has already attracted the 

 attention of American culturists, and plausible theories have been an- 

 nounced. We may confidently predict that when the subject has once 

 taken hold upon the public mind, as it surely must, peculiar systems 

 will be unfolded, based upon a study of natural laws and upon the ap- 

 plication of scientific principles. 



I fed upon hui'dles consisting of a light frame of wood three feet 

 square, intersected every three inches with broom wire. They were 

 strong and light, and ran upon grooves nailed to upright frames, so that 

 they could be drawn in and out at pleasure, thus affording great facili- 

 ties to the operations of feeding and cleaning. These hurdles are 

 cheap, and, materials included, cost less than two cents per square foot, 

 and are very durable. I placed them in tiers eight inches asunder, 

 and each tier was separated by a shelf a foot in width placed on the 

 same level with the hurdles to hold the brushwood for spinning. The 

 hurdles were covered with paper, and when the worms left them for 

 the spinning shelves, they were removed with the last remains of dirt. 

 We should anticipate our preparations for spinning, and may derive 

 from our knowledge of the habits of these insects many practical appli- 

 cations. When it has ceased to eat, the silk worm for the first time in 

 its life manifests a disposition to ramble. Its desire is to ascend as far 

 as possible, and if no impediments exist, it will wander away many 

 yards. If it can possibly get to the ceiling it is perfectly satisfied with 

 the corners and angles it discovers there. The entire surface of the 

 ceiling can be rendered available by nailing to it strips of board edge- 

 ways, and making suitable communication with it and the feeding shelf, 



