132 



SILK. 



profitable, the six-weeks worms, or the two-crop : the 

 former coDsume more leaves, are two weeks longer 

 arriving to maturity, and produce more silk. The 

 cocoons of the latter reel stronger, (at least mine did.) 

 and the quality of the silk, in my judgment, is equally 

 as good. Mr. Danforth, however, states, in his com- 

 munication '-to the committee on silk, American 

 Instirtute," that, " the large six-weeks worm, either 

 white or sulphur-colored, is altogether preferable to the 

 two-crop; for, not only are they more productive of 

 silk, but, from their superior length of thread, the reefer 

 is able to produce silk of better quality, and with less 

 labor." 



I fed the white and native mulberry leaves alter- 

 nately, as I could most conveniently gather them. 

 The worms seem to prefer the white, but were not at 

 all backward in eating the native ; for, when in health, 

 they are rather the most swine-like insects I ever be- 

 came acquainted with. I had about one bushel of 

 cocoons, and should think, from what 1 had reeled, they 

 would produce one pound of silk. The silk that I 

 have reeled is of an excellent quality, strong, soft, and 

 has a beautiful lustre. It was reeled on the common 

 reel, and twisted on the common wheel, which are 

 rather heavy and awkward apparatus for the business, 

 hoAvever. I am fully satisfied with the result of the 

 experiment, and am confident that the whole process 

 of raising silk, from the rearing of the mulberry to the 

 manufacturing of the cloth, can be done with ease and 

 safety, and if carried on judiciously, will afford abun- 

 dant profit to warrant any one in engaging in the 

 business. 



I am much pleased with the " Apparatus for feeding 

 Silk- Worms," likewise the " Apparatus for the Worms 

 to wind their Cocoons on," recommended on the 44th 

 page of the current vol. of the Parmer. This apparatus 

 for winding, of Mr. Harvey Hammond, is unquestiona- 

 bly an excellent one, a^ the worms seem to prefer 



