156 QUARTERLY JOURNAL. 



ventured to hope for. A well represented national convention on 

 the subject was held at New-York in October last, at the time of 

 the fair of the American Institute, by the direction of which a 

 great number of letters and communications from persons en- 

 gaged in the business in all parts of the United States have been 

 published in a pamphlet called " The Silk Question settled.'^'' The 

 statements contained in this publication furnish the most complete 

 view of the condition of the business of cultivation of the mul- 

 berry, raising and feeding worms, and the manufacture of silk, 

 with the methods best adapted to success, that has before been pre- 

 sented to the public. Twelve states were represented by the ap- 

 pearance of a delegation in person, and communications were 

 received also from the residents of eight more. From the various 

 other information, as well as from this publication, it is evident 

 that there has been an increase of attention to this crop all over 

 the United States. In New-England it does not probably equal 

 that of some other sections of the country. Some scattered notices 

 may help in estimating the crop of the first year ; but much reli- 

 ance will be placed on the publication just mentioned, and wf. 

 shall endeavor to condense some of the important results and con- 

 clusions on account of their eminently practical bearing and uti- 

 lity. The greatest increase in the crop seems to have taken place 

 at the west. The states of Ohio, Tennessee, and Indiana, have 

 several enterprising men whose influence has been felt in urging 

 forward this business, and the advance is most encouraging. It is 

 very difficult to fix on any ratio, and the estimate of the table will 

 probably, in many cases, fall far below the actual progress ; but 

 there is sufficient to show that there is a steady increase from year 

 to year. In the New-England states, Connecticut and Massachu- 

 setts stand foremost in their attention to silk. In Connecticut, the 

 effect of the exertions of some ardent friends of the cause, previous 

 to the revolutionary war and just about the close of the last cen- 

 tury, is still felt ; and several establishments, especially in the 

 town of Mansfield and vicinity, show what might have been done 

 through the whole country had the same perseverance been mani- 

 fested, in spite of early discouragements, and the same willingness 

 to be contented with moderate profits. The experience of that 

 little town warrants the belief that is expressed by some of its in- 

 habitants, that " the time is not far distant when we, as a country, 

 shall raise our own silk and manufacture it, and ultimately compete 

 with foreign nations." From Massachusetts we learn that '* the 

 country has taken hold of it in earnest ; each year, for some years, 

 has doubled on the preceding. Last year (1842) 400 or 500 were 

 engaged in that business in Massachusetts, -iWid more than double 

 that number in New-England." Several establishments for its 

 manufacture are found in this state in successful operation. In 

 parts of Vermont there are also individuals who are devoting con- 



