XVI 
a special mention for liis persevering efforts during many 
years, to implant that industry in our Island, besides 
other minor industries, all within the reach of the poorer 
classes, where the non productive population is increasing 
to an alarming extent. 
Since Mr D. had proved by ocular demonstration that 
silk could be produced here in most favorable condition — 
was it not the bounden duty of the community to make 
serious efforts to ensure the industry being definitively 
implanted here, by erecting model workshops open to the 
public and to all who might be desirous to learn, as such 
has been the practice elsewhere. 
But the first outburst of admiration for these magnifi- 
cient specimens of silk was followed by a certain luke- 
warmness, and unfortunately the industry has not been 
colonised. 
It is only fair to add that the check is due not to any 
local defect inherent to our Island, and still less to Mr D. 
It is attributed to circumstances quite exceptional and 
entirely beyond his control 
The lukewarmness may be due, perhaps, to the general 
tendency of all our minds, towards our only and stapple 
produce. 
Indeed what figure in the comparison can be made by 
our petty sericultural industry (so important in other 
countries), when in order to obtain satisfactory results, 
so much trouble and careful tending is required before 
the mulberry leaf can become silk. 
Col Bike, thanks to his unparalled ardour, his juvenile 
vigour, and especially to his variety of knowledge in every 
branch of Natural Sciences, has passed in review these 
large fishes, Squalus — sharks, &c., which abound in our 
seas — marine monsters which arc the constant terrors of 
those who are acquainted with their formidable power of 
destruction, and whose sight causes a shudder even after 
death. 
