240 [Senate 



abric might be manufactured from them ; but I think philosophy 

 eaches that something may be made from one or both, by some sim- 

 ple process yet to be discovered, if not already. 



N. B. Being too old and feeble to attend the convention, I have 

 yielded to the request of several gentlemen by writing as I have. 



Joseph Steek, Mt. Pleasant, Jefferson Co., Ohio. — Uses the shed 

 and cradle — says he has produced his cocoons at less than one-half 

 the expense of former modes of feeding — has made in this way this 

 year upwards of 40 bushels of first rate peanuts. 



Jno. K. Norton, Bonn, Salem P. 0., Ohio. — Writing to find a 

 sale for cocoons, says that there have been about one hundred bush- 

 els raised in his neighborhood the present season. 



J. Linton, P. M., East Bethlehem^ Washington Co., Penn. — Has 



fed 10 to 12 bushels — uses the white Italian, and multicaulis — wants 

 market for cocoons — a trouble in many other places. 



John Boyden, Brooklyn, Cuyahoga County, Ohio. — I am a silk 

 grower on a small scale, connected with other farming, and will en- 

 deavor to answer the several questions proposed. 1st. Have fed 

 worms for 8 years, the first four years by way of experiment ; since 

 that, on a larger scale. We have been successful every year except- 

 ing the first, which was a total failure. 2d. Our building is nothing 

 more than a common barn, with the cracks lined with thin boards ; 

 the temperature is regulated by stoves. 3d. Never fed in an open 

 shed or tent. 4th. We prefer the peanut variety to any other we 

 are acquainted with. 5th. We use the multicaulis, planted in drills, 

 cultivated and kept clear of weeds. 6th. Early feeding is prefera- 

 ble to late, though we often feed as late as the 10th of September 

 with good success. 7th. The cause of bad success in feeding is, I 

 believe, in not proper ventilating, and inattention in feeding and 

 cleaning. 8th. Cannot answer this question, it being out of my line 

 of business. 9th. Have not tried the process of dew or water rot- 

 ting, but will try it this season, and communicate next. 



In conclusion I would remark, that I feel no desire at present to 

 discontinue growing silk; it is certainly a profitable branch of busi- 

 ness to me. The avails of my silk operations are about equal to 

 those of the farm. It makes employment for my whole family. 



I will now state my manner of feeding and treatment of the worm. 

 We hatch them as early in the season. as will answer, and feed them 



