No. 200.] 179 



PROCEEDINGS 



Of the New-England Silk Convention, held at Northampton, October 



Isr, 1845. 



Dr. Daniel Stebbins, President. 



During the sitting of this convention, the following resolutions were 

 submitted, and unanimously adopted as their views on the several 

 heads of which they treat: 



Resolved, That silk collure, agriculture, and horticulture are inti- 

 mately connected, as sources of wealth for individuals engaged therein, 

 and may be of great public benefit to the country — each being adapt- 

 ed to different degrees of health and vigor of constitution. 



Resolved, That, as Americans, we ought to be the producers of 

 every valuable crop from our soil necessary for the comfort and sub- 

 sistence of our population, rather than depend upon the industry and 

 enterprise of foreign nations. 



Resolved, That, having the appropriate soil and climate, and, for 

 growing silk, the necessary skill, and industrial habits, and perseve- 

 rence requisite to compete with the cheap labor and living of any oth- 

 er nation whatever, we may, with these appliances, hope to become 

 as eminent for silk productions as we are now for our cotton. 



Resolved, That, although it might be as comm.endahle for each fa- 

 mily to raise and manufacture its own sewings, yet we commend uni- 

 form reeling, for manufacturing purposes, as soon as filatures shall be 

 created among us to purchase our cocoons. 



Resolved, That, as the feeding and raising of silk worms is light 

 and pleasant, the labor of children, females, and individuals whose 

 circumstances or health disqualify them for the more laborious field 

 exercises, ought to be encouraged, preferred, employed, and instruct- 

 ed in a business which is destined to afford one of our principal sta- 

 ples. 



Resolved, That this Convention duly appreciate the aid and assis- 

 tance of the American Institute io promote the cause of silk culture in 



