19^ THE MODERN HISTORY OF SILK. 



to be of the greatest service to man. In whatever 

 way we turn our eye, the economy of Nature 

 abounds in self-evident marks of divine goodness 

 and wisdom. 



In the uncertain and changeable climate of Great 

 Britain, there is much difficulty in naturalizing any 

 foreign animals, especially those of more genial 

 climates ; and, were it not that the eggs of lepidop- 

 terous insects are capable of resisting a gi'eat degree 

 of cold, many species would necessarily become ex- 

 tinct in severe winters. 



In the year 1786, Miss Rhodes had every reason 

 to anticipate a successful season with her colony of 

 Silkwoiins ; having bred upwards of thirty thou- 

 sand, from which she calculated on a produce of five 

 pounds of silk. They were extremely healthy, and 

 supplied plentifully with food, through the bounty 

 of her friends, who sent leaves daily, even fi'om a 

 distance of fifteen miles. 



About the beginning of July, the caterpillars had 

 attained their full growth, and exhibited a disposi- 

 tion to spin ; but, at this crisis, a chilling north wind 

 set in, accompanied by a degiee of cold little less 

 severe than some of the winter months. Its bane- 

 ful effects were visibly displayed on Miss lihodes's 

 little colony. Those that were ready to spin be- 

 came of such icy coldness, that it was scarcely pos- 

 sible to bear them on the hand ; they made some 

 feeble efforts to eject the thread from their mouths, 



