228 APPENDIX. [March 



into this country, but falling in with the prevailing opinions of the day^ 

 I have regarded the establishment of this important branch of agricul- 

 tural pursuit as visionary and impracticable. 



To satisfy myself as to the feasibility and profits of the silk culture, I 

 have made such practical experiments in feeding worms and reeling 

 silk, as to leave no doubts upon my mind, regarding these points. 

 Throughout the wonderful mutations which occur in the brief existence 

 of these precious insects, although a perfect novice, my success was 

 complete. There is no secret, no complexity, or mystery in the art, 

 but far otherwise. It involves but few principles, and those of great 

 simplicity. The entire range of fundamental regulations are embraced 

 in a sufficient allowance of space for the insects, and abundance of 

 fodder for their consumption, a constant supply of pure air and unre- 

 mitting diligence in regard to cleanliness. In our auspicious climate, 

 an intelligent observance of these rules will surely lead to successful 

 results. 



You are probably aware, that there are two systems of rearing silk 

 worms, the natural and artificial. The first was adopted by myself and 

 is the one in general use, being the simplest in its details, and there- 

 fore the easiest in practice. It is adopted by those who engage in the 

 culture of silk to a limited extent, or as a collateral branch of agricul- 

 ture. It dispenses with the complicated preparations of a systematic 

 course of rearing, and adapts itself to such ready means as the tenants 

 of the soil possess. By the appropriation of a moderate space of ground 

 for leaves, a crop of ten to fifty pounds of silk may be reeled, without 

 essentially interfering with the farmers' legitimate plans. Through the 

 operations of this system, the European markets are mostly supplied ; 

 the feeding season embracing but a brief portion of the year. Silk is, 

 therefore, an integral production of the soil, a surplus commodity, 

 which finds its way every where, and enriches the producer, for every 

 body is the consumer. 



The artificial system is conducted on strict scientific principles. Its 

 prevailing features consist in maintaining an artificial temperature at 

 the exact degree best adapted to develope the vital energies of the silk 

 worm ; in neutralizing the extremes of humidity and aridity; in inces- 

 sant feeding by night and by day; and by observing such other regula- 

 tions as best promote the health of the establishment, abridge its labors, 

 and the while yielding the greatest amount of silk. Of course this 

 plan is only chosen when the business is prosecuted on an extensive 

 scale, for the cost of buildings and fixtures, the laborious service and 



