No. 129.J 211 



suitable cellar to preserve and cut the leaves in. In 1841, 1 had 83 

 bushels of cocoons raised in it — sulphur and peanut, mostly the for- 

 mer. In 1842, I let the house and trees to a person on shares, who 

 made about 16 pounds of reeled silk, and upwards of 100 ounces of 

 peanut egojs. The present season, I managed it mostly myself, but 

 owing to many other engagements, I made only one crop, amounting 

 to 34 bushels of peanut cocoons, which was as many as the house 

 would hold at one time. To regulate the temperature, I have a small 

 tight room in the cellar, with a stove in it, which enables the mana- 

 ger to warm the house, by means of suitable conductors to convey 

 the heated air into the dilferent parts ; but I found, in our climate, 

 this trouble and expense may be avoided, by commencing about the 

 first of the 6th month, after the chill}, damp %veather is past. My 

 glass wandows are in one frame, and hinged so as to open or shut as 

 the weather requires, and also Venitinn shutters, so constructed, that 

 each slat working on its own pivot, can instantly be changed from 

 the broad side to its edge only to the light, admitting or excluding 

 light, and air, and heat — which I found very convenient. I prefer 

 the peanut, and the morus multicaulis to feed with; I think the white 

 Italian equally good, but the tedious gathering is a serious objection. 

 I think it best to cut the leaves very fine until after their second 

 moulting, then to save time and expense, feed with branches. When 

 ready to spin, it is best to remove them to clean shelves, and feed 

 them plentifully with leaves. If cut, it will be better, all which will 

 prevent their becoming sickly^ and spinning in their own dirt; this is 

 ihe period in which most failures occur, and may be easily prevented 

 by a little extra attention for about a week, and the profit and suc- 

 cess much depends upon it. At the second moulting, I have observ- 

 ed that only one-half or two-thirds moult the first day, and the ba- 

 lance the next day. I find it much the best, and saves trouble after- 

 wards, to keep these separate. My other engagements are such, 

 together with advanced age, as will prevent me pursuing it further. 

 I would rent the house, fixtures, and trees, on moderate terms. 



P. S. — I found but little difl[icu!ty in raising good silk the first sea- 

 son, without any previous experience, and it may be raised to good 

 profit, if manufacturers will continue to give four dollars per bushel 

 for good cocoons; and is well suited for families consisting of some 

 women and children. I apprehend much wealth will ultimately 

 come out of raising silk. 



Gardner Furnace, P. M., Green P. 0., Lancaster Co., Pa. — In 

 1839, planted 200 mulberry trees; in 1840, fed 700 worms for eggs; 

 in 1841, made 5 lbs. reeled silk; 1842, hatched a large lot, but they 

 were not so well attended, and did not do as well; in 1843, hatched 

 200,000, did well until ready to spin, had then two or three days of 

 excessive heat, and they all sickened and died — made only 5 lbs. 

 reeled silk. 



I use the spare rooms in my dwelling house. [200,000 silk 



