(l.) 



REPORT 



Of the proceedings of the JYational Convention of Silk Growers and 

 Silk Manufacturers J held in JSTew-York, October IZth and 14:tk 

 1843. 



New-YorKj Oct^ 12j 1843.. 

 A large number of gentlemen interested in the culture and manu- 

 facture of silk in this country, assembled this day, at half past lO 

 o'clock, A. M. by virtue of the following circular letter,, issued by 

 the trustees of the American Institute. 



SILK CIRCULAR. 



American Institute, 

 New- York, August 28, 1843. 



Sir : The American Institute of the city of New-Yorky a State 

 institution for promoting agriculture and the arts in the United 

 States, is desirous, for beneficial public purposes, of obtaining infor- 

 mation respecting the progress and condition of the culture and manu- 

 facture of silk, and the growth, qualityj &c. of the mulberry in the 

 United States. For this purpose we have invited a general convene 

 tian of silk growers and manufacturers from all parts of the United 

 States, to meet in New-York on the 12th and 13th of October next,, 

 during the Sixteenth Annual Fair of the Institute. A conspicuous 

 place will be provided for a full display of American silks, and ex- 

 traordinary efforts made to procure such a display. The statistical 

 returns of increasing quantities the last few years, together with very 

 favorable results in feeding the present season, as far as we have had 

 opportunity to learn, brings us inevitably to the conclusion, that this 

 precious commodity is destined soon to rank with cotton and wool 

 in its importance as an American staple. For the purpose of accu- 

 rately ascertaining the present condition and the future prospects of 

 this branch of domestic industry, every silk culturist and manufactu- 

 rer in the Union, is invited to attend, and bring their best specimens, 

 with all the correct data at their command j from which a report will 

 be compiled and distributed through the country, that will, we trust, 

 for ever settle the question in favor of the cultivation of silk in the 

 United States. We call upon all silk culturists ami manufacturers 

 to aid in this laudable object. The cry is from all quarters loud and 

 often repeated : — " Give us a new staple to diversify labor, and new 

 employment for that which machinery has displaced, and consum- 

 mate our practical national independence." 



