48 Silk Manufacture. 



and lately established a filature, under the direction of M. D. 

 Homergue, who, having conducted a similar undertaking at 

 JMismes, in France, is possessed of the requisite knowledge 

 and experience. 



'The quality of the silk hitherto produced in Pennsylvania 

 is said fully to equal that of Bengal : it promises to stand well 

 the various processes of dyeing and weaving ; but, as might be 

 expected in the commencement of such an undertaking, the 

 operation of reeling has not been conducted with the requisite 

 degree of skill. The attempt has hitherto been made on too 

 small a scale for the projector to form any satisfactory opinion 

 upon the issue as regards its profitableness; and it yet remains 

 to be seen whether the Philadelphians are in possession of 

 facilities for this pursuit, which will counterbalance the 

 high rate of wages prevalent throughout the state, and 

 which would otherwise give a decided advantage in point of 

 price to the raw silks of Italy and India, even in the markets 

 of the United States. 



' The subject has appeared to be of so much importance 

 to the American legislature, that a committee of congress 

 has recommended the project to the attention and protec- 

 tion of the government.' 



In Connecticut, attention was first directed to the introduc- 

 tion of the silk worm in 1760. Dr. Aspinwall, of Mansfield, 

 urged on by patriotism, used his best exertions to introduce 

 the culture of silk. He succeeded in making commencements 

 at New Haven, on Long Island and at Philadelphia, by caus- 

 ing orchards of mulberry trees to be planted. He had a 

 warm and zealous coadjutor, the Rev. Dr. Stiles of New 

 Haven. One half of an ounce of mulberry seeds was sent to 

 every parish in the state of Connecticut with such directions 

 as their knowledge of the business enabled them to impart.* 

 Through their exertions the legislature in 1783 was induced 

 to grant a bounty on mulberry trees and raw silk. From 

 some cause, which does not appear, the legislature in a few 

 years withdrew the bounty. In 1793 there were raised in 

 Mansfield 265 lbs. of raw silk. It being the residence of 

 Dr. Aspinwall, it is probable, from his well known zeal in the 

 cause, that this result was owing in some measure to his su- 

 perintendence and direction. 



But instead of tracing the progress of this industry minute- 

 ly, its importance will be shown with equal force, by glancing 



* Why would it not be a laudable act of patriotism for our present 

 clergy to adopt similar measures ? ed. 



