24 SILK 



OTHER VARIETIES OF SILK- WORMS. 



BESIDES the variety of silk-worms already described, 

 there are several other species, which are highly de- 

 serving of the attention of all who would enter on the 

 cultivation of silk. 



For an account of the two following kinds of silk- 

 worms, which are described as peculiar toHindoostan, I 

 am indebted to the researches of Gen. Dearborn, who 

 has described them from Milburn's Oriental Commerce. 



7. Arrindy Silk-worm. This silk-worm is a species 

 totally different from any hitherto described or known ; 

 and is called Arrindy from the name of the plant, the Ri 

 cinus or Palmi Christi on which the insect feeds. It is 

 peculiar to the districts of Dinagepore and Rangpore in 

 the interior of Bengal, where it is reared by the natives 

 in a domestic state as they do other silk-worms. The 

 Palmi Christi is largely cultivated in India, as it is also 

 in many parts of France and some other countries, for 

 the abundant produce of oil which is obtained from its 

 seeds, which is known in commerce as the Castor oil. 

 This plant is therefore cultivated for the double use of 

 seeds, and also of its leaves. 



The cocoons thus produced, are remarkably soft, and 

 white or yellowish, and the filament is so exceeding 

 delicate, that it cannot be wound, as are other cocoons, 

 but must be spun like cotton. The cloth woven of this 

 substance, is white, coarse, and of a seemingly loose 

 texture, but of incredible durability. It is used for the 

 clothing of both men and women, and will wear con- 

 stantly for ten, fifteen or twenty years. The merchants 

 also use it for packing fine cloths, shawls and silks. 

 Hot water dissolves its texture, causing it to tear ; it is 

 therefore washed only in cold water. The Palmi Chris- 

 ti flourishes most luxuriantly in all the states of the 

 south, and in the latitude of Boston. 



8. Tusseh, or Wild Silk-worm of India. This is 



