202 THE CALIFORNIA 



the Brahmins, from time immemorial, considerable sup- 

 plies, of a most durable, coarse, dark colored silk. 

 which is woven into a fabric called tu**eh dootie. This 

 kind of cloth might prove very useful here, and be 

 beneficial to die country, as a cheap, light, cool, and 

 durable dress is much wanted such a dress as 

 silk affords, and such as is worn by the Brahmins of 

 India. Once introduced, our climate being so favor- 

 able, the species would certainly flourish, unaided by 

 the care, and undisturbed by the attentions of man ; 

 but for that we must have large quantities of mulberry 

 trees planted to let them spread over. 



CHAPTER XII. 



MODES OF RAISING SILK IN DIFFKRKNT COUNTRIES. 



Before giving our California silk culture, I thought 

 it would be well briefly to sketch the different modes 

 of raising the silk in other countries. It will give my 

 readers some light on the subject, and enable them to 

 appreciate our culture, by comparison. 



The general saying is : give the silkworms air, fretk 

 and pure ; let them be comfortably warm and dry, 

 and cleanly ; and with sufficient space to prevent them 

 from contact, with ample supplies of healthy food. 

 These directions alone are sufficient to insure the most 

 perfect success. 



