PREFACE. ix 



and more for the best quality. It is bound to keep increasing, as 

 it is becoming more and more in fashion ; and after all, no matter 

 how high it sells, if it is of good quality, silk is the cheapest of all the 

 dresses^ everything considered. 



Our advantages are many in California, and, indeed, very great. 

 To be duly appreciated, they must be estimated singly and individu- 

 ally ; but how much greater and more striking will they then appear, 

 if considered collectively. The decisive impulse is already given, 

 and its mighty influences extending throughout our State ; our people 

 are awake ; hope dawns auspicious ; the day and its brightness will be 

 ours, endued as are our people with fortitude, with energy, and 

 intellectual resources unsurpassed. Is there one American who can 

 doubt it ? 



I have no desire for pecuniary benefit to myself, to grow out of 

 any knowledge of the silk culture, which it may be in my power to 

 impart to the public. Anything that may be a benefit to that noble 

 cause I will publish, as my earnest desire is to be useful, by aiding 

 the introduction of a culture, which will make our people rich. In 

 opening for them a field (and also to our country) of unceasing 

 wealth, I shall feel amply compensated for the years of practical 

 experience which I have given to silk culture, from the pleasure I 

 shall receive in the knowledge that my humble efforts were to some 

 extent the means of introducing and establishing in our State an 

 industry which will save annually many millions of dollars to. our 

 people, and make us the largest silk-producing country in the world. 



