15 
would bring in £30 to the farmer for the labour, or, rather, amuse¬ 
ment of two or three persons for about four weeks in attending the 
silkworms, besides tho revenue that he would obtain from other 
crops that he may cultivate, such as beetroot potatoes, maize, hemp, 
etc. Beginners in silk-culture need not bo very particular in regard 
to tho strict governing of the silkworm, for good results are obtained 
in carrying on in a simple and primitive mode; but as people will 
gain knowledge on the importance and extension of the industry, 
naturally tho best principle and most stiiet attention will be observed. 
Importance of the Silk-culture Industry. 
In support of the great importance of the silk-culture industry, it 
is sufficient to observe that every country where the industry has 
been established, beginoing with China (which dates as far back aa 
the year 2040 B.c.) and in Kurope four centuries ago, that in no 
nation has it been abandoned, but it has been continually making 
progress to the great advantage of individuals and nations. 
The United States is one of the latest countries that has intro¬ 
duced silk culture with a wonderful progress, and here we can 
favourably compare the social and natural condition of the Aus¬ 
tralian Colonies to that country, and why should we retard its- 
introduction, and neglect to provide one of the most interesting, 
agreeable and pleasant occupations for tho farmers' families ? The 
chief difficulty to contend with in the introduction of this industry 
into a new country, is the impatience to r. alize profit for a length 
of time, and before they learn tho art of making a very good crop of 
cocoons ; also that the people here do not know anything about it, 
and for other imlginnry difficulties. In answer to that, I can only 
compare the same objections that were raised in wine-growing. In 
the early days of the colony I don’t suppose there was oue in a 
thousand that knew anything about wine-growing - But what do we 
see to-day? That some of the best vineyards in the colony have 
been estahlbhed by Irish. Scotch and English people that (I suppose) 
knew nothing about viticulture, and they had to wait thiee or four 
years before getting any rettiru. Viticulture is far more expensive, 
more risky, and it is diliieult to get a market for the wine : whereas 
in silk culture it requires liltle labour, Very little risk and a ready 
market and generally cash transactions. At the same time, the 
wine industry of this colony is one of tho mo3t important of all 
colonial industries ; and I affirm that if silk-culture be largely un¬ 
dertaken and established in the colony, that it would be adding a 
perpetual wca’th to individuals and to the nrtion. 
Si)k Production in the Following Countries. 
Italy produces £12,000,000 worth of cocoons. 
France produces £2,500,000 worth of cocoons. 
England imports and manufactures for £11,500,000 worth. 
China exports 10,000,00011)8. of silk. 
America in 1830 produced silk goods to the value of £0 800,000, and 
10 years afterwards, thai is in 1890. with the assistance of Pro¬ 
tection, the value of the silk goods production has exceeded 
£13,800.000, with 385 factories established. 
France produces manufactured goods to the value of £25,000,000. 
