196 THE MODERN HISTORY OF SILK. 



the quality of silk produced, and as to the number 

 of mulberry trees, was very considerable ; and, in 

 October 1806, it was found that, in the southern 

 military frontiers, without including those of Tran- 

 sylvania, which are more to the east, there were 

 706,731 trees of this species, making an increase, 

 during the last year, of 1 7,929. Proper officers were 

 appointed for the inspection of all the different 

 processes, both in the culture of the mulberry, and in 

 the rearing of the worms, and the most approved 

 books upon the subject were widely circulated. 



As the result of their regulations, we find, during 

 the three subsequent years, a rapid increase in the 

 quantity of silk ; so that the yearly produce in these 

 military frontiers, and the sums paid by government 

 to the cultivators, were as follows : 



In 1806, 546 cent. 3H pf. of cocoons, 357,44 fl. 5* kr. 

 1807, 1066 89* pf. 918,16 fl. 35 kr. 



1808, 1430 93K pf. 130,912 fl. 53* kr. 



These were, however, the periods of its greatest 

 success. Bad seasons followed. In 1810, the quan- 

 tity was reduced to 710 centners, for which 71,705 fl. 

 were paid ; and the same cause, accompanied likewise 

 with unfavourable political events, has given a very 

 material check to this branch of industry, which 

 appeared to be acquiring importance and stability. 

 The Hungarian character, and the habits of all the 

 peasantry of this country, are undoubtedly but little 

 suited to the peculiar attention and minute care which 

 are requisite for the pursuit of an employment so 



