54 



stronger in tinctorial matter than those for mulberry 

 silks. It follows, therefore, that there is an unavoid- 

 able increase in the cost of dyeing Eria silk, as is 

 also the case in Tusser silk, and to about the same extent. 

 Probably I shall not be far from accuracy in stating that 

 Eria silk requires twice as much dyestuff as mulberry silk, 

 thereby causing the dyeing to cost considerably more. 

 The Eria cocoons being of two kinds, some of them rust 

 colour and others white, cannot be dyed into pale colours 

 without bleaching, which again adds to the cost of dyeing. 

 It bleaches very well with the bioxide of barium process, 

 and takes excellent colours in pale tints afterwards. For 

 dark shades bleaching is not necessary, nor would it be 

 necessary for paler shades in silk spun from the white 

 cocoons if they could be kept separate from the brown 

 ones. 



From the specimens in the Collection it will be seen that 

 I have succeeded in imparting a variety of colours to this 

 silk which leave little or nothing to be desired. As far as 

 I can learn, I believe this is the first time in Europe that 

 Eria silk has been dyed. If it has been attempted, 

 certainly no such colours have been obtained as those in 

 the Collection. 



The geographical distribution of Tusser silk is one of the 

 most important and promising features in the present 

 effort to extend its utilities. It is found almost, if not 

 entirely, over the whole of India as well as in British 

 Burma; the cocoons are everywhere. It has a larger area 

 of growth by far than cotton, and probably may be produced 

 as extensively. That a great future is in store for it is 

 certain. Labour is cheap in India, and the natives cannot 

 too soon turn their attention to rearing the worms and 

 collecting and reeling the silk for exportation to Europe. 



No one can doubt that when it is found that any fibre 

 can be utilised extensively, and that fibre has a wider 

 range than cotton, the chances of an abundant supply 

 under cultivation are almost certainties, and it is then only 

 a question of time and perseverence to bring it into the 

 market at prices which will cause it to be sought after and 

 used as extensively as it deserves. 



This argument has been well used by Mr. T. Dickins, 

 Chairman of the Silk Supply Association, with reference to 

 the mulberry-fed silkworm of commerce ; for wherever the 

 mulberry tree will grow and come into leaf at the same 

 time as the eggs of Bombyx mori are hatched, there can 

 silk be cultivated. This also gives for mulberry silk a 



