No. 200.] 183 



feeding, and close only when cold and rainy ; have ventilators to uso 

 at such times, and a stove to maintain a uniform temperature. I feed 

 from seven to fourteen times per day. My rules are, the more air the 

 (belter, strict cleanliness and abundance of room. By observing these 

 rules, do not loose 10 per cent. I now have machinery in operation 

 for making sewings. lam satisfied that the Multicaulis and early 

 feeding will be attended with success. I am of opinion that very many 

 destroy most of their worms by allowing their eggs to become moist 

 in the ice-house, or place of keeping ; they should invariably be kept 

 dry and cool. I keep mine in a tin box, perforated in the top for the 

 admission of air; this is placed within a teachest with the lead in, 

 which also prevents moisture ; this I deposite in a cavity in my cellar. 

 If worms could be all fed at a time, early, they would do much bet- 

 ter, and make more silk at less expense. I use the earth for my floor, 

 and in case of too great heat, irrigate with water. 



The drought and intense heat @f the present season, have caused 

 much disease in many parts. For several days in succession, the 

 heat continued intense, with little or no circulation of air, and the 

 worms died by hundreds. I tried the experiment of a cold water 

 bath, and found it to answer a good purpose. I sprinkled it on them 

 gently with a small corn broom. I am satisfied that cold water is not 

 detrimental, either as a bath or on foliage, if not applied too often. I 

 shall continue to enlarge my operations, and form a market for cocoons 

 which I shall prepare for market in raw silk. I can grow and reel 

 ready for market, at $1.56 per lb. Reeling is perfectly simple and 

 easy, as well as all the modus operandi of the silk culture. Many in 

 this neighborhood have entered into the business and failed. Tight 

 feeding, and only twice a day. Why not ? 



John Jones, Wheatland, New Castle co., Delaware. — I regret to 

 hear so much complaint among farmers in different sections of the Un- 

 ion, about the want of a market for the product of their farms, at re- 

 munerating prices. I hear them from Virginia, and from the south 

 generally, as well as from the North Western States. They come from 

 sections strictly agricultural, or producing. 



It gives me pleasure to present a reversed picture of my own State. 

 The varied occupations of our citizens were never in a more prosper- 

 ous and thriving condition. More than two hundred and fifty sub- 

 stantial dwellings have been erected, or are now in process of erec- 



