No. 124.] 229 



Cleanliness, air, and regular and full feeding, are the grand secrets. 

 My small crop this year was attended to in my scientific way, like 

 fatting pigs. I kept them with a full supply, and none could do 

 better. If I could have my way, however large the crop, I would 

 have the leaves always fresh, and give them often and plenty, and 

 never leave them on thick mouldy beds. 



I do not know the fact, but I suspect that the finest and most costly 

 silk in France is made from the small two-crop worms. 



J. L. Woodward, Milhury. Mass. — My operations have been 

 so limited, they aie hardly worth communicating — yet they may 

 serve to establish general principles in regard to this enterprise. 



In 1839, I purchased a lot of multicaulis. Canton, and Alpine 

 trees. I planted the two former in cuttings — one-half of them did 

 not come up — took them up in the fall, and put them in the cellar. 

 Next spring planted them, laying the tree, root and all in furrows, 

 four feet apart, covering light. They came up first rate, and are 

 now flourishing trees — have not taken them up for two years past — 

 they have kept well during the winter seasons. The soil is of a 

 loamy texture. I have fed worms four years — have generally had 

 good success — have fed early and late — consider early feeding de- 

 cidedly best — have fed in an inclosed building, well ventilated. I 

 find a free circulation of air indispensably necessary. Fed the pea- 

 nut and sulphur — think the sulphur more healthy. I see nothing to 

 prevent growing silk in this country, and to profit, if managed ju- 

 diciously. 



James W. Chappell, Lima^ Livingston Co., JV. Y. — I am highly 

 gratified in observing the praiseworthy efforts of the American Insti- 

 tute in regard to the growth and manufacture of silk. Successful 

 experiments have now become so numerous, that no doubt ought to 

 exist as to the feasibility of the enterprise. Five years' experience 

 has fully satisfied me, that the silk culture is not only practicable, 

 but can be made amply to remunerate the culturist lor his labor. 

 During those five years, I have produced about forty bushels of 

 cocoons, and the result of each year's operations has been complete 

 success. 



In 1842, I built a cocoonery, 20 feet by 60, two stories high. It 

 has twenty-six windows, furnished with blinds, and six doors. The 

 building is plastered throughout, which tends to prevent sudden 

 changes in temperature, and also is more easily kept free from insects 

 and mice, the great enemies of the silk-worm. 



In regard to open feeding, I would say that I have always fed with 

 windows constantly open both day and night, cind the doors during the 

 day, and am fully convinced that this is the true system for success- 

 fully carrying on the business. 



I have never used artificial heat — have used air-slaked lime, and 



