196 THE MODERN HISTOllY OF SILK. 



they arrived at maturity, pursued their industrious 

 occupation with alacrity. 



" From this it will be perceived, that cold, though 

 it impedes their growth, does not essentially injure 

 the worms until they arrive at the state for spinning; 

 and that then a certain degree of heat is requisite to 

 render the silk sufficiently fluid for them to eject it 

 with ease. If I could have made fires at the first, 

 I am sure that the dreadful havoc would have been 

 prevented ; and those who rear them for profit may 

 readily construct places where an artificial heat may 

 counteract the effects of an uncommon season, and 

 prevent such a calamity. I have abundantly esta- 

 blished the following facts : — 



" First, That the management of the Silkworm 

 is by no means difficult ; the principal objection 

 having been obviated by the discovery, that they 

 may be supported so long a time on an indigenous 

 plant, which may be procured in all situations. 



" Second, That our climate supplies a sufficient 

 degree of warmth to bring the Silkworm to the 

 highest perfection, unless in very extraordinary 

 seasons, which may be guarded against by the con- 

 struction of fire-places. 



" Third, And that the profits which arise from 

 the manufacturing of silk are immensely advanta- 

 geous, one-fourth part of the price of silk being 

 adjudged enough to pay the whole expenses." 



