No. 124.] 215 



Lincoln Jacob, Hingham^ Mass. — About the middle of June I 

 hatched two or three thousand worms. They spun well. About the 

 first of July I hatched a large lot — they did well until they began to 

 spin. At this time the weather was very hot and dry ; the worms 

 began to be very feeble and die ; in one week they nearly all died. 

 I then hatched six or eight thousand j they spun well ; about the 

 middle of Sept. used artificial heat for one week at the close. 

 By the way, I think I had the large lot altogether too thick, 

 I am more convinced than ever that w^ater does not hurt the w'orms. 

 (I presume you recollect I so stated last year at the convention,) I 

 believe if I had sprinkled my leaves with water this season when the 

 weather was so very dry and hot I should have saved my worms. 



Enoch Bacon, Souihbridge, Mass. — In the fall of 1841 a brother 

 of mine at the west recommended the silk growing business to be 

 suitable employment for invalids and aged people. Being broken 

 down by infirmities of age, I listened to the recommendation, and 

 made some small calculations to go into the business. I therefore 

 procured 2,000 trees — multicaulis and Canton — which I laid down 

 in the spring of 1842, and from them, with the help of some white 

 mulberry trees in the neighborhood, 1 raised 15 lb. 8 oz. cocoons, 

 saved a part for seed, and reeled 4 lb. 2 oz. first rate silk. 



In May, 1843, I set out something more than 5,000 roots on sixty 

 rods of land, and laid down some cuttings. So I have now 7 or 8,000 

 trees, and have raised this year 3 lb. 11 oz. of reeled silk. I had 

 48 lb. 4 oz. of cocoons. I saved 3 lb. 12 oz. for seetl, and reeled 44 

 lb. 8 oz. I was disappointed about having eggs to hatch late. 1 

 had foliage enough to feed many more. I find there is much to be 

 learnt in growing silk. I have had three sorts of worms ; sulphur, 

 mammoth white and peanut; the two former kinds were very healthy, 

 fed well, wound and yielded well. The peanut, I think, according 

 to the experience I have had, are more unhealthy than the others. 

 They may make a better ball, but I think it takes four worms to get 

 three balls made up of artificial heat. Used no lime, except for white- 

 washing, and on the floor. 



I think the silk culture is much on the gain, and will be a busi- 

 ness of importance to the United States. I advise every man eno-ao-- 

 ed in it to hold out with good courage. Difficulties always atteml a 

 new business. We shall soon surmount them all — have already done 

 this in regard to many. I am confident that there will be more done 

 in our town the coming season than ever. 



H. P. Byram, Brandenburg, Ky. — With pleasure I respond to the 

 questions contained in the "Silk Circular" of the American Institute. 



1st. I have fed silk worms to a greater or less extent in the State 

 of Kentucky, every season except one, since the year 1837, inclusive. 



