l«Io. 124, j 297 



Z. Storks &. Son, Mansfield Centre, Conn. — I had intended to 

 meet the Silk Convention in Nevv-Yoi k, but as I cannot do that, I am 

 desirous to add my mite to the mass of information which will be col- 

 lected. I have been for forty or fifty years conversant with the growing 

 of silk in this town, though not personally engaged in the business. I 

 consider it feasible and simple in the whole process, and that a httle 

 practical knowledge will convince any one of this fact, and that the ge- 

 nerality of publications on this subject, have invested it with too much 

 mystery. 



I have been now for about ten years engaged, in a moderate way, iu 

 the manufacture of sewing silk and twist — have about three hundred 

 spindles and winders propelled by water power, and employ in the mill 

 from 10 to 14 hands, according to their experience and skill in the bu- 

 siness, and produce from '45 to 40 lbs. per week — using from one to two 

 thousand pounds of raw silk yearly, adapting it to the demand. The 

 capital necessary for this 1 find to be about $8,000. 



We have used various kinds of raw silk, and I can say without hesi- 

 tation, that the American, properly reeled, is equal to any — and I do not 

 think, at least I could never discover, much difference whether made 

 from the multicaulis, Alpine, or white mulberry. I think the present 

 tariff on silk needs some alteration, in the law or the construction, to 

 prevent the importation of thrown silk at the same duty as raw silk. 



As to the ultimate success of the silk business in this country, both 

 in growing and manufacturing, I have no doubt on the subject, but 

 think the growing of silk may and will yield more profit than the pre- 

 sent production of cotton. 



I have written in great haste and should be glad to enter more at 

 large on this important subject, had I time. Shall always be glad to 

 hear from you and shall be ready to give any information in my 

 power. 



Nathaniel J. Church, JkKwmnA;, Orang-e Co., J^. Y. — 1. I first 

 commenced feeding silk-worms in this town, July, 1839 — they were 

 from eggs obtained from Prince & Sons, N. Y., by a gentleman in 

 this vicinity, in the multicaulis speculation. The worms were nearly 

 half grown when obtained, and had been fed very irregularly. I fed 

 them on white mulberry leaves, and of some thousand but few 

 finished their cocoons, — I saved eggs from the best. In 1840, fed a 

 lot principally on the white mulbery, till my leaves began to fail, and 

 then resorted to wild leaves; I also had a few multicaulis. The 

 worms did well till near maturity, when all at once they became 

 diseased, and notwithstanding every effort to keep them well fed, 

 cleansed, and separated, I lost probably three-fourths of all I had. 

 Not willing to give up, I saved, as before, the best cocoons for eggs, 

 and kept them over as directed in the Silk Grower ; and, in 1841, 

 having both the white mulberry and multicaulis leaves in abundance, 

 and some little experience, I brought forward my first crop 11th 

 June, and with some little management and care, succeeded in bring- 



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