230 APPENDIX. [March, 



from the first existence of the worm to the filature of its precious co- 

 coons, is, with singular fitness, adapted to the comprehension and powers 

 of the young, and to the infirmities of maturer age. The in-gathering 

 of leaves, the management of feeding and the filature, are performances 

 that do not exceed the strength of childhood. In the silk districts of 

 Europe, the insects are reared, and the silk reeled almost exclusively 

 by women and children. In an ethical sense, it is an occupation that 

 elevates the virtues and appeals directly to the attention of philanthro- 

 pists. It is a study of nature, full of instruction, that neither hardens 

 the heart nor corrupts the conscience, by an overreaching spirit of ava- 

 rice, and it should therefore be the concern of our patriotism, to cher- 

 ish and encourage an enterprise, that, while it administers to our hap- 

 piness, does not debase the heart. Unlike the great staples of rum, 

 sugar, and cotton, which are extorted from unwilling labor by coercion 

 and blood, this pursuit is destined to find welcome and peaceful recep- 

 tion in this region of our country, which is unsurpassed in its genial 

 condition of soil and climate, by any other on the face of the earth. If 

 there be those who doubt the profits of this culture, a multitude of facts 

 might be easily adduced to overthrow their skepticism and dissipate the 

 errors they have imbibed. But there are those who will not be con- 

 vinced, though one rise from the dead. 



I am persuaded, sir, that silk of the finest description can be pro- 

 duced in New England for two dollars and fifty cents a pound, in the 

 first year of planting, and in the infancy of our knowledge. This esti- 

 mate has been made again and again by intelligent men, and a book 

 might be filled with reports based on actual experience, to confirm its 

 truth. Can it be otherwise? Every variety of mulberry flourishes in 

 our climate; and from the freedom of our atmosphere from too abund- 

 ant moisture, its warmth, electricity and purity, our country is unsur- 

 passed for the perfection of the silk worm. It is impossible that the 

 culture of silk will not become established on a sure basis; an event, 

 from its enormous magnitude, of momentous concern to a nation 

 which has been drained, in a single year, of twenty-two millions, for 

 this article of pride and comfort alone. With such propitious advan- 

 tages, with such a consumption, and with the unconquerable energy of 

 the American people, encouraged and protected by our Legislators, it 

 is impossible that success will not crown this delightful pursuit. 



If the art of rearing be then so easy of comprehension and practice, 

 it is, nevertheless, exceeded in simplicity by the art of reeling the co- 

 coon. I found that the difficulties of reeling had been exaggerated. 



