484 THE SALMON FLY. 



CHAPTEE VIII. 



MISCELLANEOUS. 



SILKWORM GUT. 



ALTHOUGH to-day forgotten, one, William Hay, who represented the 

 ancient town of Seaford in the House of Commons in the year 1734, 

 deserves our remembrance for introducing Silkworm Gut into this 

 country. What it cost then I do not know, but the question of price in 

 these days need not be seriously considered. The investment of a little 

 extra money in the best sample invariably brings its own reward. I get 

 mine at Kamsbottom's establishment, Market Street, Manchester. 



But although Fishermen are grievously conscious of the present 

 depression in the trade and entertain fears, not altogether unfounded, of 

 the supply in future,* yet very few understand the several processes by 

 which the silkworm is developed, or by what methods the gut is produced. 

 This of itself offers occasion for a few particulars, which may be of 

 interest, before pronouncing upon the respective qualities of gut, its 

 choice and management. 



When we come to consider that the luscious leaf of the mulberry is 

 the staple food of the silkworm, it is not surprising that the insects 

 thrive most in localities where the trees grow best. In the province of 



* I think this depression would pass away if young mulberry trees were forced under 

 glass to bring forth their leaves earlier in theseason than those out of doors. The season for 

 them is later in the South than it used to be. 



