No. 151.] 251 



Representing, as we do, almost every State in this Union, it is of 

 the utmost importance that the subject be presented in such a form 

 as to secure a concert of elfort, when we shall have returned to our 

 several States. 



The practical connection of your committee with the silk business, 

 will naturally lead you to anticipate from us an accurate statement 

 of the present extent and condition of this enterprise. 



It is with us a matter of regret that a branch of industry so evi- 

 dently and intimately connected with our interests as a nation, and 

 which, at the same time, has been so yulli/ and satisfactorily tested 

 in every latitude of our counti-y, should advance so .slowly, and elicit 

 the energies of so few of our people. 



From a large number of communications to which your committee 

 have had access, we collect the most flattering evidences of success in 

 regard to the culture of silk, s-herever it has been undertaken with 

 system, and in accordance with the nature of this most delicate and 

 particular little insect, the silk worm. 



Upon the bleakest highlands of Maine, among the hills of Ver- 

 mont, throughout the valley of the Ohio, and the sunny regions of the 

 extreme south, it has been alike successful — with only this difference, 

 that in the cooler regions of the north, the employment of artificial 

 heat has ,been occasionally necessary, to counteract the influence of 

 the chilly dews of the night, Vi^hich would otherwise materially retard 

 their growth, and weaken the constitution of the silk worm. 



Here, not more than six or eight weeks can be relied upon for 

 feeding, while in some other sections the same number of months 

 can be devoted to the business, with less labor, and augmented suc- 

 cess. 



On the subject of the mulberry tree, your committee would refer 

 to resolution No. 4, of the New-England Silk Convention, as pub- 

 lished in connection with the proceedings of this convention. 



In regard to the manufacture of silk, we would only refer to the 

 silk department of the " Great National Fair of the American Insti- 

 tute,'* now in progress at Castle Garden. 



We would advise every member of this convention to go there and 

 examine and handle those rich and elegant fabrics, honorable alike to 



