MARCH] THE NURSERY. 293 



the adjacent islands 1% silk-worms were reared. Soon after the 

 conquest of Constantinople by the Venetians, in the year 1204, they 

 attempted the establishment of the silk manufacture in their domi- 

 nions, and in a short time the silk fabrics of Venice vied with those 

 of Greece and Sicily. 



About the beginning of the fourteenth century, the Florentine 

 manufactures of silk became very considerable. It was introduced 

 much later into France; the manufacture of silk, though considerably 

 encouraged by Henry IV., not having been fully established there 

 till under Louis XIV., by Colbert. 



" It is an established and well-known fact that both the white and 

 black mulberry-trees grow as well in almost every part of the United 

 States as in any country on earth ; and also that silk has been raised 

 and manufactured into a most excellent fabric, under the direction of 

 that great and venerable patriot, and friend o"f mankind, Dr. BENJA- 

 MIN FRANKLIN. That so useful a pursuit should be suffered to die 

 away in a country as well adapted for it as any in the universe, is as 

 extraordinary as it is unfortunate and injurious to the real interest 

 of the nation." 



Trees which are designed to feed silk- worms should never be suf- 

 fered to grow tall, but rather kept in a sort of hedge ; and instead of 

 pulling off the leaves singly, the young twigs should be cut off with 

 them on, which is much sooner done, and not so injurious to the trees. 

 This is the more interesting as the mulberry makes a tolerably good 

 hedge and can be used with advantage for both purposes. 



The raising and manufacture of silk, as well as every other new 

 establishment, can only be brought to perfection, and consequently into 

 repute, by the industry of some wealthy individuals, or by established 

 companies whose united efforts will surmount the difficulties which 

 always present themselves in new undertakings : for we every day 

 see those that deal in small quantities in any way of life, or in any 

 commodities whatever, generally unsuccessful, whilst at the same 

 time, others possessed of wealth, or in established societies, dealing 

 largely in the same articles, acquire vast property and riches; merely 

 from being able to afford constant and regular employment for the 

 people engaged in the business, and having due attention paid to 

 every department thereof. 



The vast wealth of Lyons, and of various other places, gained from 

 the labors of this little insect, plainly show that where no accommo- 

 dations or materials are wanted to employ a multitude of hands in a 

 regular society or combination of undertakers, the silken manufacture 

 must answer; and that people may grow rich thereby, as well in 

 America, as in any other country, if similarly pursued, is too self- 

 evident to bear contradiction. 



With a view and expectation that this business may be attempted 

 successfully, I shall contribute my mite by giving the best informa- 

 tion that I have been able to acquire on the subject; not in the least 

 doubting but that better may be easily obtained, for the introduction 

 of this important work. 



The first object is to raise a sufficient quantity of mulberry-trees, 

 of both the white and black kinds, which are very easily propagated, 



