No. 124.] 295 



be evaded,) until by their experience they become skilled in raising the 

 worm^ and my humble opinion is, that a crop of silk will become as 

 much a matter of course with farmers generally, as is their present crop 

 of wheat or corn. 



In conclusion, 1 may say, that having extended my brief epistle to 

 almost a volume, it can scarcely be necessary for me (if even admissi- 

 ble for ladies,) to make my courtesy at your convention, clad in my do- 

 mestic silk. 



ALEXA^*I>ER Smith, Fredonia, Chautauque Co., N. Y. — I have 

 been engaged for the last six years in the culture and manufacture 

 of silk. I feel a deep interest in the success of the enterprise, and hav- 

 ing been one of the first to engage in it in this coimiy, have watched 

 its progress with solicitude, and am much gratified to see it steadily ad- 

 vancing. There have been about 13 or 14 hundred pounds of cocoons 

 raised this year in the six towns along the lake shore, which is proba- 

 bly three times the quantity ever raised before in one year. Several 

 gentlemen are preparing to feed largely next year, and many others are 

 making preparations to begin next spring. From my own experience 

 I am convinced that the soil and climate, in the northern part of this 

 county, is well adapted to the culture of silk. The southern and mid- 

 dle parts 1 do not think so good, owing to their elevation, and more 

 sudden changes of temperature. I have come to the conclusion, that 

 silk can be profitably raised in any district where Indian corn is culti- 

 vated to advantage, as the season which suits one, is perfectly adapted 

 to the other. 



The worms fed in this vicinity the two years preceding this were 

 very sickly, owing I believe, principally to want of leaves, and want 

 of skill in those who fed. This year they have been remarkably heal- 

 thy, with some very few slight exceptions. The cocoons raised here are 

 all made into sewings ; none have ever been sold out of the county to 

 my knowledge. I have manufactuied probably two thirds of the co- 

 coons raised in the county for the last four years, and many from Penn- 

 sylvania. I have a reel, twisting machine, and spooling frame, all of 

 my own invention, and all work admirably. The reel can be made 

 for six dollars, and for simplicity, durability, and facility of reeling. I 

 think has not been exceeded. 



My twisting machine may be made to drive any number of spin- 

 dles. It may be turned by hand or by water. It twists a smooth, even 

 thread, is very simple in its structure, and is not liable to get out of re- 

 pair. 



The twist may be regulated so as to twist hard or slack, as the ope- 

 rator pleases. They can be built with 12 spindles for ^25. The spool- 

 ing frame is equally simple, cheap, and convenient. I pay from four to 

 five dollars per bushel for cocoons, according to quality, and my silk 

 sells readily for four dollars per hundred skeins. There is another gen- 

 tlemen in this county who has a machine of 3 spindles, with ring fliers, 

 but he works only his own cocoons. Thus I have given a very brief 

 statement of the silk culture in this county. 



