128 THE CALIFORNIA 



are engaged in it the better. It is, then, our interest 

 to encourage and help our neighbors to go into it. Our 

 market for silk is the whole world, and we are bound to 

 get the highest price for it, as our silk is of first quality ; 

 and another great advantage is that we can raise it 

 here for half the cost that it is obtained in France or 

 Italy. I do not know if you have the letter in which 

 I enumerated our advantages over the other countries 5 

 if not, and you desire it, I will send you a copy of it, 

 and you and your readers will be convinced of what I 

 say. 



VI. Large plantations are already made in different 

 parts of the State. A good number of them were com- 

 menced last season, the largest being that of Mr. Wilson 

 Flint, of Sacramento. It is in connection with Mr. 

 Flint that I am doing the feeding of the worms at Sacra- 

 mento. 



Now, Mr. Editor, reflecting a moment on the above 

 facts, we can say that the silk culture is virtually estate 

 lishcd all over the State, as our people will soon know 

 how to do it. It is my opinion that there will bo hun- 

 dreds of new plantations the coining season, and those 

 who set them out will do well ; because, besides being a 

 good business, they will get more of the premiums offered 

 by the State. It makes me hope that within a very 

 few years we will bo able to keep with us the seven mil- 

 lions of dollars that we are now annually sending out for 

 the importation of silk only. These are the wishes with 

 which I remain, 



Respectfully yours, L. PREVOST. 



