5?o. 124.] S73 



healthier and larger worms, and they spun the largest cocoons. I pre* 

 f-er the mammoth sulphur. I use the multicaulis — cut the leaves 

 while the worm is in its first stage — then whole leaves on a shelf, 

 and during the two last moultings, give them the whole tree on a 

 frame, and they turn down and spin in the brush. 



I have always found July feeding to be the most successful. I 

 have now six acres of multicaulis, planted last spring, and intend in- 

 creasing to fourteen acres in a year or two. I intend planting in. 

 squares two and half feet apart, that they may easily cultivate both 

 ways. [Altogether too thick, J. R. B.] 



I have just returned from a visit to Richmond, Indiana, where 

 they have been feeding a few years and have commenced manufac- 

 turing. You will hear from them. They have some beautiful spe- 

 cimens of shawls, vesting, dress patterns, thread, &c. &c. 



I intend building a cocoonery this winter, but different from any 

 thing I have either seen, heard, or read of. After I have tested its 

 utility, if it should prove to be what I anticipate, I will give you 

 my plan, the mode of heating, and the plan of my feeding frames. 

 I constructed a small frame on my own plan, and found it to work 

 admirably. I will make considerable improvement on it, so that three 

 persons can attend es great a number of worms as fifteen persons 

 could on friend Morris' plan. 



In looking over the present tariff bill, I find that raw silk is but 

 60 cents per pound. I think that quite too low, and Congress should 

 be memorialized on the subject. 



From what experience and information I have on the subject of 

 the silk business, I believe that silk will soon -become a staple com- 

 modity of American industry. I have some silk thread manufactur- 

 ed by Mr. Tillinghaste, of Dayton, Ohio, which is pronounced by 

 good judges to be a first rate article. He has a very simple spin- 

 ning and reeling machine made in that place, and bids fair to do a 

 good business. It is moved by water power. 



A number of people in these diggins have been cruelly bit by the 

 multicaulis speculation, and all cry out humbug at me for attempt- 

 ing to raise silk. I know of no person engaged in the business with- 

 in thirty-five miles of this place. But notwithstanding their jeers 

 and sneers, I am determined to persevere until I astonish some of the 

 natives. 



I am now engaged in farming, and intend the growing of silk for 

 the present as an appendage, but I expect soon to make it the prin- 

 cipal business, and just raise stock and grain enough for family pur- 

 poses. 



I will be anxiously looking for your report at the proper time. 



Jeffrey Hutchinson, Brooklyn, JV*. Y. — I use the Singapore, or 

 large Nankin peanut worm. The eggs are larger, and of course pro- 

 duce stronger and healthier worms than the other kinds. I think 



[Senate, No. 124.J Kk 



