No. 124.J 271 



18 in the second story, over my wood-shed, having 9 windows, vphich 

 let down at the top, and raise at the bottom, also an opening on the 

 sides, one foot wide, with blinds which may be opened or shut at 

 pleasure, thus securing any quantity of air desired. Thus you will 

 perceive that I have fed my worms almost as open as tent I'eeding, as 

 I keep the hall open night and day. The lot of worms which I kept 

 this season were fed by my two daughters, with the exception of a 

 few of the last days, the oldest 15 years of age, which they did be- 

 sides helping do the work in the house in the same time. The 

 worms were of the sulphur kind, and come off about the first of Au- 

 gust, making between 80 and 90 lbs. of cocoons of the first quality. 



It has been my object from the first to make the silk business a part 

 of my farming business, in order to prove, if possible, that every 

 farmer that has a family of chiklren, may raise silk without interfer- 

 ing essentially with their other concerns, after a little experience in 

 feeding. I feel confident that if farmers would devote one or two 

 acres of land to raising trees and feeding from them, they would get 

 more profit than from raising corn or potatoes, and with less labor. 



My answers, therefore, are : 



1. I have fed worms more or less for seven years, with good suc- 

 cess the last years, and always good when fed the fore part of the 

 season. 



2. Building as above stated. 



3. I prefer the sulphur kind, on account of their being more 

 hardy. 



4. I use the white and the multicaulis. 



5. I have proved to my satisfaction, that everything depends on 

 early feeding, in this part of the country. 



6. There have been quite a number of persons in this vicinity, who 

 have tried to raise worms, but have failed on account of keeping 

 them too close, and not having sufficient feed. 



I have not manufactured much, except what I have raised myself, 

 which I make into sewing silk. 



John Mayer, J^iconza^ Miami Co., Indiana. — We raised, in 

 Wayne Co., Ohio, and manufactured into sewing silk, something 

 over $200 worth, the last three years. We also reeled some, and 

 had it wove for ladies' dresses, at Mount Pleasant, Ohio, by Mr. 

 Gill, a sample of which I enclose. [A superior article, J. R. B.l 

 In answer to the last inquiry, I reply, that I am fully confirmed in 

 the opinion, that silk growing and manufacturing are worthy the at- 

 tention of American citizens, and that silk will soon be a staple product. 

 There are several others in Wayne Co. engaged in this business. 



Jonas N. Smith, Addison, {near Chimney Point,) Vt. — We stand 

 alone in our town, experimenting a little in growing silk for our own 



