190 [Senate 



In this we are already far ahead of our European competitors. The 

 application of heat, either artificial or natural, in killing the chrysalid, 

 should be avoided. It injures the fibre, and increases the difficulty 

 of reeling. So,*also, do the fumes of sulphur, by depositing sul- 

 phuric acid upon the fibre, the gum of which does not entirely pro- 

 tect it from its effects. Camphor, in tight boxes, effectually kills the 

 insect, leaving the cocoons in a state for reeling equal to that before 

 curing. But the best of all is the vacuum box — an American sug- 

 gestion. If ihis announcement depreciates its value, I cannot help 

 it. Placing the cocoons in an air-tight box, and exhausting the air 

 by means of a simple pump, will kill the insects directly, or in a 

 few hours. By placing a small quantity of camphor in the box, the 

 cocoons may be preserved in it from any bad effects for several weeks. 

 The only suggestion I have to make in furtherance of the object of 

 this convention is, that facilities be offered, in all parts of our country, 

 for the conversion of small parcels of cocoons into raw silk. In other 

 words, that agencies should be established, for the purchase of cocoons, 

 in all our principal cities, from such persons as cannot or will not reel 

 them. I do not pretend to be able to say how this can be done ; I am 

 only able to point it out as the most efficient means for accomplishing 

 the great object we have in view. Three or four filatures might be es- 

 tablished ; one in New- York, one in Philadelphia, one in Hartford, one 

 in Boston, one more in Baltimore would do no harm, and each of 

 these should have agencies in the surrounding cities, towns, and vil- 

 lages, for the purchase of cocoons. This would at once create a mar- 

 ket for the small parcels of cocoons, and the profitable disposition of 

 these small parcels would at once, and of itself, place the raising of silk 

 worms among the ordinary objects of domestic industry. The absence 

 of such a market has, heretofore, had a very disheartening effect upon 

 silk growers. I am unable to suggest any of the details of such a plan, 

 and only give it as my belief, that some such arrangement is necessary 

 to the success of the s:lk cause. I have thought these practical hints 

 might be acceptable to some here, but I have already occupied the time 

 of the convention longer than I intended. Permit me, in conclusion, 

 to congratulate you on the prospect of the early accomplishment of the 

 great object which we all have at heart, and once more to recall to your 

 attention the magnitude of the interest we are advocating. Suppose, 

 for example, that we had the power to recall all the money that has 

 been paid for silk during the last twenty years, we should then be able 

 to pay the whole indebtedness of our country. Look at it. During 

 the last twenty years, we have imported and consumed two hundred 

 and twenty millions of dollars worth of silk. The whole indebtedness 

 of our country amounts to about the same sum, and the whole has 

 been accumulated within the same time. Suppose we had consumed 

 the same amount of silk, but that of American product, this vast 

 amount would at this time be in our coffers. But it is useless to reflect 

 upon past negligence, except so far as the reflection throws light upon 

 our future course of conduct, and it is for this purpose that it is now re- 

 ferred to. The question then, is, and with it I now conclude, shall we 

 make our own silk ? Or shall we continue to drain our country of its 

 precious metals, to supply us with it from abroad ? I think I know my 



