174 [Assembly 



After a reference to certain specimens of his silk sent for exhibition 

 and competition, remarks : My establishment is in full operation, and 

 doing well. I am so well satisfied of the complete success of the silk 

 culture and manufacture, liiat I am now preparing an establishment at 

 Wheeling, Va., in which [ shall use a number of power looms in addi- 

 tion to our present hand looms, and other improved machinery. 



Timothy Wheelwright, Wells, Maine. — In order to ascertain the 

 practicability of growing silk with profit in this northern section of our 

 country, 1 have been experimenting for the last four or five years, and 

 invariably with success, except in one instance, where a loss was sus- 

 tained, occasioned by extreme cold weather at the time the cocoons 

 were spinning. I reel my cocoons and convert them into sewings. 

 The last crop finished spinning the first of September, but they might 

 be fed to advantage until the middle of September. 



I prefer an open building for feeding, but think it should be so con- 

 structed as to be warmed when necessary by artificial means, espe- 

 cially when the worms are spinning. I have this year introduced the 

 white and Nankin peanut worm, and find them preferable to other va- 

 rieties. So well satisfied have I become of the certainty of success* 

 that I consider silk second to no other pursuit. 



D. Benedict, Pawtucket, R. I. — In regard to the silk business in 

 this country, I have long since come to the following conclusions : 



1st. In favor of its practicability and productiveness. This is based 

 upon an experience of ten years, under all the temperatures of our 

 climate, and with all the varieties of the worm, and foliage. I am 

 fully satisfied of the goodness of our country for this business. 



2d. That the business will not flourish extensively until home mar- 

 kets are provided for cocoons, as they are taken off, at a convenient 

 place, at par value. 1 took this stand years ago, and all my experience 

 has confirmed me more and more. 



I have known a number who were fond of the business, but have 

 given it up on account of the want of a ready market ; and I have my- 

 self lost fifty bushels of cocoons, because 1 could neither sell, or get 

 them reeled. I purchased machinery of different kinds, but the ne- 

 cessary help, skill, &c. was wanting. Theorists may figure out the 



