266 [Senatx 



have always endeavored to select my best and most perfect cocoons 

 for eggs. 



I have tried the experiment of keeping but few worms upon a 

 given space, and supplying them bountifully with leaves, giving 

 them more than double the amount consumedj but they did not do 

 as well as those kept middling thick, and given no more than they 

 would eat. And from my own experience, I am convinced that in 

 order to ensure good success, the cocoonery should be wellventilaiedy 

 the worms obtained from a healthy stock, and fed as much as they 

 will eat, and no more. 



I am sanguine in the belief, that as people become experienced in 

 the rearing of silk worms, it will be a profitable branch of busi- 

 ness. 



Joseph McHankan, Mack's Hill Cocoonery, near Readings Hamil- 

 ton Co. Ohio.— In answer to the inquiries you make in your Silk 

 Circular, I give you the following : 



1st. I have fed worms the four last seasons, on too small a scale 

 to learn the habits of the worm ; did but little this season — gathered 

 somewhat over 100 lbs. cocoons. 



2d. My building is a frame, boards matched, floor above and be- 

 low — can be closed perfectly tight — have a stove in the building to 

 regulate the temperature. 



3d. I have not fed in tents or open buildings. 



4th. The orange cocoon are the easiest to reel, the fibre being the 

 strongest. The peanut prod\ices the most silk to the bushel, but it 

 takes more worms to make a bushel. The white peanut, 4,000 make 

 a bushel, weigh 14 lbs. when first gathered. The nankin peanut, 

 3,600 make a bushel, weigh 13 lbs. The mammoth sulphur, 3,000 

 make a bushel, weigh 10 lbs. 9 oz., when first gathered. I prefer 

 the peanut for my own reeling, a bushel makes more raw silk ; but 

 the mammoth sulphur to sell by the bushel. The peanut has 900 

 yards of fibre, the mammoth sulphur 600 yards a little coarser. 



5th. I use the multicaulis ; trees that are designed for planting 

 take up in the fall, lay them in layers, cover with earth, keep them 

 from touching much, cover the heap with boards to turn the water 

 off. In the spring cut off the limbs and roots, lay them in furrows, 

 cover with a plough. They are more sure to come than if they 

 stand out over the winter. If any miss coming, bend down the limbs 

 of the next to it, cover it with earth, and it will take root, then cut 

 itoff"anditis a tree. Cultivate them the same as corn. In the 

 spring cut all the dead wood off^. Be sure to cut to the quick. They 

 do better to do it after the buds show themselves. I have cut the 

 limbs three times from a part of my trees this season. They are 

 now full of leaves again. The more they are cut the more branches 

 will shoot out and produce more foliage, if the land is strong. 



6th. I have found no difference in early and late feeding, myself, 

 though my last worms were a failure. One of ray neighbors, Mr. 



