DIVISION OF LABOR. 119 



SECTION XXXIX. 



DIVISION OF LABOR. 



THE cultivation of the mulberry tree, and the raising 

 of silk, may each with advantage be conducted as sepa- 

 rate branches of the same department. The avenues of 

 the mulberry tree on the plains of Reggio, with the 

 habitations for the insects which are on either side, are 

 the property of wealthy citizens who reside in Reggio ; 

 these furnish to another class the leaves, and every 

 necessary requisite, receiving in return two-thirds the 

 product. At other places, as in France, the profits are 

 sometimes equally divided. In France, also, the plan- 

 tations of the mulberry constitute in many places a part 

 of the real estate of the landed proprietors, the leaves 

 being annually sold on the trees. And a gentleman who 

 has resided many years in France, informs us of one 

 plantation of five thousand young trees, which, when 

 well grown, it was computed would bring annually one 

 dollar each for a single crop of leaves. In that country, 

 whole families, at the suitable season, find employ in 

 gathering the leaves, as an exclusive occupation. The 

 reeling may also form a distinct branch, although it is 

 intimately and generally connected with the culture. 



Though there are silk factories in Italy, yet the 

 greater part of their fabrics are of domestic manufac- 

 ture. The manufacturer, after having purchased the 

 silk of those who raise it, and after it has been reeled in 

 the manner best suited to the fabrics he desires, pre- 

 pares it for the loom, by dyeing, warping, &c., and then 

 puts it out to the weaver, who weaves it in a hand loom. 

 The weaving is performed by both males and females. 

 It is then finished and put up for market. 



Not only in Turkey, but also in many parts of Italy 

 and France, the leaves of the mulberry are sold in the 



