112 



RAW-STLK. 



is darker. I cannot speak to 

 the culture of plants and 

 usage at other silk aurungs, 

 having never been at any of 

 them. 



With reference to the cul- 

 ture of the dessy-plant it is 

 to be observed, that the 

 ground is generally so moist 

 at all times of the year in 

 Bengal, as to render irriga- 

 tion almost unnecessary. The 

 plant is usually cut four times 

 in the year and stripped of 

 its leaves twice.* The latter 

 mode is practised during tlie 

 rains, when cutting the plants 

 would tend to injure them, 

 by the water penetrating the 

 cut part, or eventually by 

 theoverflowino-of the Gan^^es. 



But this apparent local 

 fertility is unfortunately com- 

 bined with great humidity, 

 and sudden transitions of 

 temperature from heat to raw 

 cold, and cold to heat, which 

 are the great evils the manu- 

 facturer of our silk has to 

 contend 



* These answer to the six periodical bunds of generating the silk-worm 

 to the completion of the pod or cocoon. Whereas in Italy there are only 

 two cocoon seasons ( Raccolta's harvests), supposed the annual and the next 

 in succession, which produces the finest silks (organzine) ; but the second is 

 always inferior to tlio fust; so also in Bengal. 



(K.) pinnated, small component 

 Letter from leaves, Serrated on the edges 



Resident i • i i i f> 



at Soonamooky. and pomted at the ends, bee 

 Fig. 1. 



Probably the China mul- 

 berry plant, originally im- 

 ported via Madras, hence its 

 name. The leaves are much 

 larger, and considered by 

 naturalists more substantial, 

 luxuriant, and of quicker 

 growth than the dessy ; and 

 yet the latter greatly prevails 

 in cultivation. The leaves 

 are closely set and more 

 abundant, in the proportion 

 of two and a-half to one. 

 Moreover, as being the most 

 tender, it is eagerly desired 

 by the worm, which thrives 

 in proportion. It is sold by 

 the weight or load, from eight 

 annas to one and two rupees 

 or more in adverse seasons, 

 and is very profitable. 



