THE MODERN HISTORY OF SILK. 201 



In 1803, it was reduced nearly one-third. In 1814, 

 many establishments had been given up, and others 

 were on the decline. Since which time, it has again 

 assumed more importance, although it is believed it 

 will never reach its former state. Many most beau- 

 tiful articles of rich embroidered silk are to be found 

 in the palaces of the wealthy, or the museum of the 

 Emperor ; but this fabric has been discontinued, and 

 the looms, since 1812, have been chiefly employed in 

 weaving shawls, to which all the females of the capital 

 continue to give great encouragement. Vienna is 

 the chief, but not the only, seat of silk manufacture 

 in Austria, other principal towns participating to a 

 small extent. 



The White Silk Worm of China has been success- 

 fully introduced into Murcia in Spain, a province 

 which is favourably situated for the cultivation of 

 that insect : its southern boundaries being the Medi- 

 terranean, and presenting a salubrious climate. The 

 produce of this species is superior, both in quantity 

 and quality, to that from the common worms. This 

 important improvement is due to the zeal of Don 

 Thomas Serrano, who, after a life devoted to the 

 happiness of his country, was forced to seek, at 

 Gibraltar, an asylum against the persecutions of the 

 servile factions. 



Many efforts have been recently made to introduce 

 the Silk Worm, on an extensive scale, into Ireland. 

 These, however, do not appear to have been success- 

 ful, which must be attributed to some mismanagement 



