THE NURSERY. 273 



tiplied and worked in the same manner, as in those climates, where 

 they first became the objects of human attention and care. Vast 

 numbers of these insects were soon reared in different parts of Greece, 

 particularly in the Peloponnesus. Sicily afterwards undertook to 

 breed silk -worms, with equal success, and was imitated, from time 

 to time, in several towns of Italy. In all these places, extensive 

 manufactures were established, with silk of domestic production. 



From the reign of Justinian, it was mostly, in Greece, and some 

 of the adjacent islands, that 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 

 dominions ; 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 considera- 

 bly 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 of man- 

 kind, DR. BENJAMIN 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 

 suffered 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 

 tolerable good hedge, and can be used with advantage for both pur- 

 poses. 



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 diffi- 

 culties, 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 so- 

 cieties, dealing largely m the same articles, acquire vast property and 

 riches ; merely from being able to afford constant and regular em- 

 ployment 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 labours of this little insect, plainly shew, that where no 

 accommodations or materials are wanted, to employ a multitude of 

 hands in a regular society or combination of undertakers, the silken 

 manufacture must answer j and ihat people may grow rich thereby, 



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