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THE MODERN HlSTOny OP SILK. 213 



Many efforts have been recently made to introduce 

 the Silkworm, on an extensive scale, into Ireland. 

 These, however, do not appear to have been sucess- 

 ful, which must be attributed to some mismanage- 

 ment in the treatment of the animal, and other 

 circumstances ; for we consider the climate much 

 better adapted, then that of the sister island, for the 

 breeding of this animal. We have no doubt, but if 

 still persevered in, it might ultimately prove of great 

 and extensive benefit to the peasantry of that 

 country. As we have before hinted, it is our firm 

 belief, that in time the insect might become natural 

 ized to this latitude, under the guidance and foster- 

 ing care of man. For we have seen in the higher 

 animals, that they have been brought by degrees to 

 breed and thrive in our island, although the tem- 

 perature is widely different from that of their own. 



Lord Kingston, with the most patriotic zeal, used 

 every effort to propagate the worm, and benefit his 

 native land ; but in his efforts he has not been 

 assisted. In the year 1827, that nobleman had 

 upwards of thirty tlioiisand mulberry-trees growing 

 upon his estates in Ireland, and these in the most 

 flourishing and healthy condition. He had sent to 

 market in 1830 a considerable quantity of raw silk, 

 of the best quality. But, we fear, the restless genius 

 of tlie peasantry is ill adapted for an employment, 

 where assiduity and careful attention are required. 



