BOTANICAL SOCIETY OF CANADA. 
43 
ON THE SILK-WORM AND OTHER FIBRE-YIELDING INSECTS, AND THE 
GROWTH OF THEIR FOOD PLANTS IN CANADA. 
By Mrs Dr Lawson. 
Much attention is attached to the production of animal and vegetable fibres 
suited for spinning and the manufacture of cloth. The climate and soil of Canada 
are admirably adapted for the growth of hemp, flax, and other valuable fibre plants. 
The cultivation of grain and other crops which now form the staple agricultural 
products must be regarded as the primary sources of wealth in this country; still 
the production of fibres is also a branch of industry of great importance when we 
consider that it opens up occupation for women and young persons who do not 
find employment in ordinary labor. The whole subject of fibre prodution is de- 
serving of consideration. I have always felt a great interest in those insects which 
produce silk, and so would anyone who had watched their labors. Believing that 
there is a wide field for female employment in Canada, I contribute these re- 
marks especially as indicating a source of industry for women. The majority of 
the population of Upper Canada are composed of English, Irish, and Scotch. We 
all know that a certain class of women in their native country work in the fields, 
they cultivate hemp and flax, they hoe potatoes, and weed in the fields, and do 
other out-door work ; but in Canada they too often lose their independence, and, as 
a consequence, suffer much misery. Seeing that we must have the luxury 
of silk dresses, I think we should try and do what lies in our power to cultivate 
silk in Canada. It may not be in our day and generation that we shall see our 
wishes wholly realised, but we may see a beginning made, and a prospect of others 
enjoying the benefit. I do not offer anything new or original to the Botanical 
Society ; I merely make these suggestions in the hope that naturalists of the 
Society in their rambles will not pass over any fibre-producing insects they may 
meet with.- The day may not be far hence when this Society may have the honor 
to pronounce to the world that they also have discovered an insect almost, if not 
quite equal to the mulberry silk worm. Attempts have been made at various times to 
introduce the silk culture to different countries, with often little success. Canada 
appears to me well suited for the cultivation of mulberry silk-worm. While the cater- 
pillars are feeding they require a high temperature, which we here have in sum- 
mer. It may be said silk-worm factories have hitherto been utter failures. In some 
instances this is true. The United States produced a small quantity of silk, and 
they have had great failures. I have tried the rearing of silk-worms on a small 
scale, and am convinced that profit and success would attend perseverance and 
economy. The silk-worm can be reared as well in the one apartment of the peasant 
as in the house of the rich or the most elaborate factory. The feeding and rearing 
