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 -BY 
 
 ^^Ellen Call Long. ^-^ 
 
 PllICE, TWENTY-FIVE CENTS. 
 
 1000 COPIES, SIOO. 
 
 Fn:)M THE Press of Jos. Glover, Philadelphia. Pa. 
 
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 a 
 
 SILK FARMING." 
 
 A Manuel of 47 pag^es, illustrated, containing- com- 
 plete instructions in the art of Silk Culture. 
 
 fl^ICE:: 
 
 SINGLE COPY, - - - - TWENTY-FrVE CENTS. 
 In Lots of 1000, $100 per thousand. 
 
 For further informarion address 
 
 Mrs. ELLEN CALL LONG, 
 
 TALLAHASSEE, 
 
 FLORIDA. 
 
 i*U."^HfcHti«lU'U.Mu.*U^*lX»l*>^U-M*i't*'IU.' 
 

 ^^i) 
 
 ^^. 
 
 ^"^JsC- 
 
 The Spirit of a Single Mind Makes that of Multi- 
 tudes take One Direction." 
 
 -^=»S^^^'^5*c- 
 
 lVi//i the above Sentiiuent these pages ai'e 
 Respectfully Dedicated to 
 
 AMILTON DiSSTON 
 
 WIK^ OPENED THE (lATES TO 
 
 Florida, 
 
 'Wlierein there is no Man lint ina-y Jiialce liis 
 1'arad.ise." 
 
 
 1^ 
 
 
Kntered according to Act of (Joiigress in tlio'ycav 1K,S4, br 
 Kllkn CaIjI. Long, 
 In the Office of the Librarian of (Jonj^iess, at 
 Wasliincton, I). C. 
 
I 
 
 iwRqmmoRY,^ 
 
 THE use of silk iu garments is kno\vn to have been adopted 
 three centuries before tlie Christian era ; hdw much earlier 
 iu the history of the world is uncertain. It seems coeval with 
 civilization, and yet to-day in many parts of the world it is almost 
 as new as of recent discovery. In reference to America, it is found 
 that sericulture was introduced into Mexico with the Spanish con- 
 quest, and that Cortez, in his plan of government, appointed officials 
 to take charge of the industry, and ordered the planting of mul- 
 berry trees, which fact is established by a case of litigation, arising 
 subsequently, from an investigation of what had been done by the 
 first board of auditors. 
 
 Among other items, one-quarter of an ounce of silkworm eggs 
 is charged to have been sent by the crown of Spain for the intro- 
 duction of silk culture into the newly achieved territory ; where- 
 upon it is proved that said quarter of an ounce was given to one 
 party, who, though eminently successful, only returned two ounces 
 of eggs to the government, yet sold a very large quantity for his 
 own benefit, at prices ranging as high as sixty dollars per ounce : 
 proving that at the start the culture was crippled by speculation 
 on this Continent. 
 
 That one Oliver de Serres, in 1600, atti'acted the attention of 
 Henry IV. to the value of Silk Culture to France, and the first 
 favor asked and granted was that all useless trees be banished from 
 the Royal gardens, and that the Mulberry be made to supply the 
 
4 INTR OD UCrOR Y. 
 
 vacancies, and afterwards silkworm eggs and experts in raising them 
 were imported from Italy for the purpose of instructing the people. 
 Prime Minister Sully grumbled, and to his remark that France 
 was not made for finery and trappings. The good King Henry 
 replied : "Ixoould rather meet the King of Sjiain in tliree battles than 
 fir/ht the regxdations of gentlemen of the gown. Each peasant ought 
 to have daily a chicken in his pot, and it is only by plentifid resources 
 that they can." Thus, Henry introducing it, several sovereigns, down 
 to Louis XV. devoted themselves to the encouragement of silk 
 culture, spending millions in the project. Even now the govern- 
 ment cherishes it, as much as three thousand francs having been 
 offered in more recent years to those who should raise the greatest 
 number of ^Mulberry trees, and heavy rewards to whom discover- 
 ing a cure for the dreaded flaeherie. And they have in France 
 what we must have in this country, organized societies for instruc- 
 tion and demonstration of tlie work. 
 
 Then James of England and Scotland required of his subjects 
 to plant the mulberry, with a view of raising silkworms ; but it was 
 nearly a century after Cortez had made the effort in Mexico that 
 the same monarch ordered the planting of trees in the American 
 Colonies, and he there essayed to enforce the silk industry by fine 
 and premium. Missionaries, finding the production a Avonder of 
 nature, seized the mystery as a means of conversion, hoping thus 
 to fill the Indian's mind with pious awe, but the shame of work 
 with them outweighed every other consideration. 
 
 The Ifugitenots brought the culture to South Carolina, and even 
 there manulactared silk. Law (of South Sea Bubble fame; 
 brought it to JNIississippi, and in 1734-35 Oglethorpe planted it 
 in Georgia, and it is historical that he presented to Queen Caro- 
 line of England eight pounds of raw silk, from which Charles II. 
 wore robe and hose at his coronation; and still later (in 1755) the 
 Princess Doavager and Lord Chesterfield boasted of wearing 
 American silk. Queen Charlotte previously, on the King's 
 birthday, appeared arrayed in the same. Premiums were bestowed 
 and penalties enforced to fix the industry in the Colonies, for the 
 Treasury of England complained that no foreign commodity more 
 exhausted her Exchequer than the importation of raw silk to feed 
 
INTRODUCTORY. 5 
 
 her forty thousand silk manufactories. But neither roj'al favor, 
 hope of reward or fear of punishment availed, for England para- 
 lyzed one hand by the arbitary use of the other, in sanctioning a 
 charter to a joint stock company of London, privileged to take 
 African negroes to the Colonies, which caused all other enterprise to 
 l)e abandoned for that of cultivating tobacco. 
 
 There was a struggle, however, here and there, still to sustain 
 silk culture, for in 1744 a filature had been established in Savannah, 
 and silk from this (piarter was quoted at two shillings above that 
 imported from any other country, and this convenience of reducing 
 the cocoon to silk thread encouraged its raising ; but most unfor- 
 tunately the filature was burned, consuming a large stock of raw 
 material. Then follow^ed the Revolution that made breadstufls the 
 first consideration ; yet many Avomen of the land continued to raise 
 silk for their own use, mixing with it wool for home-spun garments 
 but with peace came cotton, then the gin, whereupon followed the 
 monarchy of slavery. 
 
 This is very much the history of silk culture in the United 
 ►States, with spasmodic renewals here and there, but the want of a 
 home market for the cocoons has been the great want at all periods ; 
 for though the manufacturers of silk goods have for a long time 
 imported the raw material, and now as much in value as fifteen 
 million dollars per annum, yet they claim that they cannot only buy 
 the raw material cheaper abroad, but in two advanced stages of pre- 
 j)aration for the loom beyond raw silk reeled in this country ; in 
 short, it is not raw silk at all that comes in free of duty, and this one 
 advantage to the manufacturers is really what discourages silk cul- 
 ture in the United States ; but this is only a matter of time to 
 correct. Cheaper labor in Europe, say the manufacturers, will 
 make it impossible to raise silk in this country on equal terms, but 
 silk and its advocates do not propose to interfere with the labor of 
 tlie country — it is to the )ion-producers that it apjieals or provides for. 
 Those that from sex or circumstances are removed from business 
 centres are herewith recommended to a means of adding to other 
 resources an increase of revenue just in proportion to the extent 
 of outlay — not potential, but always equal to any investment of 
 money or time, more certainly than any other agricultural pursuit 
 
() INTBODUCTOBY. 
 
 for the amount of time and money devoted. It is a field for that 
 army of household martyrs who toil in the tread-mill of domestic 
 -wants ; to them this industry opens a way for diversified interest, 
 with return for labor bestowed. But let not these enter into it with 
 Avild expectations of sudden and embarrassing wealth, for disap- 
 pointment will follow. 
 
 " The reports received from the different associations organized 
 for the purpose of encouraging silk cultui'e all tend to prove that 
 the interest is spreading and operations extending, but the industry 
 can only said to be in a chrysalis state, after spinning many threads 
 of visionary and exaggerated notions of wealth ; yet, notwith- 
 standing, we do not doubt that time — with the aid of judicious 
 management — will place it on a firm basis. The great obstacle to 
 success so far is overweening confidence, accompanied with ignor- 
 ance and the want of experience. In Europe, raising silk or 
 cocoons is a hereditary education ; children learn it from practical 
 observation, and so generation succeeds generation in the know- 
 ledge of the work, but here, there are none to lead except in favored 
 •districts, consequently the results are discouraging and disappoint- 
 ing. To raise cocoons successfully demands very little physical 
 strength, nor does it demand talent or skill of a high order, but it 
 ■does demand intelligence, patience, perseverance and system, from 
 which there shall not be the slighest relaxation. Every State should 
 have an industrial school connected with its agriculturial depart- 
 ment, by which this Avork can be properly set forth, through 
 teachers, and until this is done there will be more or less ignorance 
 at work, resulting, first in disgust and disappointment and finally 
 in the abandonment of tlie work altogether. The industry was not 
 •established in Italy or France until Count Dandolo, and men like 
 him, taught the skill to the people, and in China it was an emperor, 
 assisted by his royal mate, that led in the work. So it must be in 
 •every new field. The people must be taught the difference between 
 .a good and an imperfect cocoon, and how to obtain the one and 
 :avoid the other, and this can only be done through instruction. 
 Many have ventured into the work during the current year^ — 1884 
 — that will not do so again, because of the wide gap between their 
 
INTRODUCTORY. 7 
 
 -expectations and the real returns— a gap wide enough upon reason- 
 able grounds, but made the more distressing from a "vvant of know- 
 ledge of the work undertaken ; but whether " good or bad " cocoons 
 be obtained as a result of personal efibrts incidentally bestowed upon 
 their production by experimentalists, they send them to market, 
 demanding "my money" with as much confidence as if it were gold 
 they had dug, seemingly never doubting the value of what is sent, 
 but always deploring disappointment from lack of quantity for- 
 w^arded ; whereas, we regretingly learn that not one pound in ten 
 received by the Home Association is worth the charges paid thereon 
 by them in receiving the same. Tiiis result, however, is not to be 
 attributed to any deficiency in the desired climatical conditions of 
 our country, but entirely due to a want of knowledge on the part 
 of incidental experimentalists as to the best Avay to raise good silk- 
 covered cocoons, and until parties will take the trouble to learn the 
 requisites of conducting the business systematically, there will con- 
 tinue to be disgust and disappointment in return for their impro- 
 perly applied labors." — Article written brj Author for Silk Culturisis. 
 
 There are serious obstacles to be overcome, which perseverance 
 can alone subdue, and thus place the industry on a footing with 
 that of the old country. If ignorance on the subject among our 
 people was not baffling, it would be anmsing. 
 
 Some think the crop continuous, and seriously ask on what shall 
 " we feed the Avorms in winter," — one correspondent asks for a pair 
 of cocoons to start the w'ork ; another orders trees and silkworm eggs 
 at the same time ; and some, fired by hope of sudden wealth, are 
 ready to sell sewing n)achine and renounce the wash-tub for the 
 new investment. So that really there is as much trouble in suppress- 
 ing unnecessary enthusiasm as to excite a healthy interest in the 
 enterprise. Of course, there must be blunders at the start, and there 
 Avill be failures ; but these average 90 per cent, in all enterprises, 
 and possibly will not prove greater in silk-raising than other indus- 
 tries — but in no instance would I advise parties to undertake it on 
 a large scale without experience and knowledge of the work in all 
 its mysterious changes, which, though easily acquired, are manifold 
 :an<l important. In the capacity to favor silk, raising it, is as genial 
 
8 INTRODUCTORY. 
 
 as the air we breathe — flourishing iu Russia and Sweden, where 
 the silk equals in brilliancy, softness and strength that growing^ 
 in temperate and tropical climates, for in the latter there is na 
 special advantage to the culture, except that of a longer season,. 
 which make it possible to multiply crops. 
 
 The fact that good silk can be raised in the United States has 
 been long established, but the possibility of profit from the cultui-e 
 is the question to be answered, and the demonstration of which the 
 country is waiting. Expense and profit will depend upon the utili- 
 zation of labor, and the convenience of orchard and cocoonery with 
 economic modes throughout the " Education," directed by competent 
 knowledge. Experiments have been mostly among those who are 
 from necessity impatient of results ; thus we have not had so far a 
 fair test of its money value to this country. 
 
 Silk culture is a fine art, which will require apprenticeship 
 with time to perfect, but it is not difficult to master, and need not 
 be attended with special expense, as silkworms and the mulberry 
 tree (or osage orange) are the needful capital, and if persued iu the 
 United States intelligeu'ily, it may arise at conditions yet unknown 
 in the World. Almost any form can spare a few acres of poor 
 land for the mulberry, and every family has its non-producing 
 labor ; consequently, the cost of experiment is almost practically 
 nothing. A gradual development or adoption of the industry is 
 advised ; plant trees and experiment in the treatment of a few 
 worms through the various stages, thus gainiug practical experience 
 in their nature, always studying the best species to improve their 
 pi'oductive qualities. 
 

 FOOD 
 
 FOOD is the first matter of consideration in sericulture, which 
 must be good, plenty and convenient, and which is furnished 
 wherever the varieties of tiie Morus, or the Osage Orange are 
 found. By priority of use, I will treat of 
 
 THE MULBERRY TREE, 
 
 which belongs to that family of plants which have stamens and 
 pistils on separate growth, that is male and female flowers are 
 found on different trees; therefore, to obtain reliable seed for 
 planting, this rule of nature must be considered. There are 
 many varieties, all beautiful from the leafy luxuriance, and fruit 
 productiveness, and useful for the many purposes to which the wood 
 is adapted. Fast growers — they are great absorbants of water and 
 impurities of soil ; and are thus, in the respect of resisting frost, 
 better as health plants than the Eucalyptus. The paper and some 
 other roughed leaf mulberry are indigenous to American soil, but 
 these are not silk-making, and where the silk-morus are found 
 growing in a wild state, they are the remains of old settlements, or 
 the seed have been carried by birds. The mulberry is very hardy, 
 is little affected by climate after the second or third year, and will 
 flourish wherever the temperature rises to 65° (and so stands for 
 
10 
 
 SILK FARMING. 
 
 three months), and where it never falls below 10°. In short, 
 wherever the vine and apple grow, the Morus can be trusted, and 
 tifter being thoroughly rooted, the severest frost, will only affect the 
 extremity of branches. It is more a matter of soil (which must be 
 dry). There are many varieties of mulberry, and all are silk- 
 making, equally good as far as brilliancy and strength are con- 
 cerned, but culturists assert advantages in feeding, one over the 
 •other. The Morus in all its varieties seems to be indigenous to the 
 CJhinese Empire, and parts adjacent, especially the Alba and its 
 varieties. 
 
 The Disciples of Confucius claim that the Morus is the founda- 
 tion of the solidity and prosperity of that country, for there it is 
 the means of livelihood to millions of individuals. 
 
 From the Morus Alba and Niger (Avhite or black), spring all 
 the varieties. Nothing better as food or silk-making can be found 
 than the ordinary white mulberry, the leaves of which are of the 
 
 illustrated size, dark rich green, full of saccharine and resinous 
 substance, but the sniallness of the leaf doubles the work in gathering, 
 and it is of slower growth, and not so easily propagated as any of 
 
FOOD. 11 
 
 its seedlings except as standards, and would not perhaps thrive so 
 well. The Moretti and Multicaulis are seedlings of the Alba, and 
 the Japonica, and Rosea differ so little from the Multicaulis as not 
 to make it necessary to consider them separately. 
 
 The Moras Multicaulis from its adaptiveness to the poorest soil, 
 its rapid growth, easy propagation and large size of its leaves, ren- 
 <lers it most valuable as silk food ; the leaves grow six or seven 
 inches either way. It is therefore, evident, how much labor is 
 r^aved in gathering food, which, though succulent with less resin or 
 saccharine when young, Avill attain the the requisite durability by 
 age. It is also valuable for its easy re-production of leaves in the 
 same season, especially in those latitudes where two or more crops 
 can be raised. The Multicaulis was first fouud by Americans iu 
 the Philipine Islands, but subsequent knowledge of China, estab- 
 lished the fact that it had been long known and valued by the 
 Chinese as silk food. 
 
 The Morus Nigra makes a strong silk, and is preferred for the 
 •cold climates as food for worms. It is also very prolific in fruit 
 bearing. Persia, Russia, and Spain use this variety, and as the 
 world knows, makes good silk. 
 
 One writer on this subject says : " If I could not have but one 
 mulberry, I should take the Morm Multicaulis,'" and a book pub- 
 lished in London, in 1689, says: "One worm fed on the Black Mul- 
 berry in worth more than two on the Morus Alba." 
 
 These various opinions should establish the fact that no dictum 
 relative to varieties of the mulberry as food for the silkworm is 
 to be received — quantity is tlie main question. 
 
 Myself, I believe ^at the black-fruited mulberry is equally 
 good, and its prolific fruit, so useful on a farm, gives it many 
 advantages. 
 
 In Europe, those who have the land, and perhaps never pro- 
 pose to raise a worm, plant mulberries for hedging, and in orchards ; 
 and the authorities plant them along the road-side ; and these are let 
 for the season to worm-raisers, to furnish the leaf market — thus 
 dividing the interest and responsibility of the industry, giving a 
 great advantage to those who have no laud to raise silk, and a 
 revenue to those that only plant the tree. One acre of the mul- 
 
1 'i SILK FARMING. 
 
 berry, treated as described, will furnish food for eighty thousand 
 worms, and at the viinimum price and estimate of cocoons, these 
 should yield S8U net ; and every year these two acres should feed 
 more and yield moi-e, until perfect maturity, when they will be 
 Morth §5125 to S150 per acre. It will be a happy day for the United 
 .States, when individuals and the public authorities can boast of 
 thousands of acres of this valuable tree. Every college and school 
 grounds, public squares, church yards, etc., might be thus utilized to 
 the good of the people. 
 
 In addition to the Morus Multicaulis, (to which I give prefer- 
 ence), I recommend planting the Alba or Nigra, for feeding in 
 the last stage of the worm. It is not necessary, but I am inclined to- 
 think these have more resin, (which is important to silk-making) 
 than the Multicaulis. The Mulberry, and I suppose, most plant* 
 are composed of five different substances, fibrous and color matter, 
 water, saccharine and resinous substance. The cultivation of the 
 Mulberry must be in reference to the in or decrease of these quali- 
 ties. It will hold a great quantity of water, which if encouraged,, 
 would make it too succulent for the health of the worm; therefore*- 
 to avoid this, dry, well drained, sunny slopes must be selected for 
 the planting, and a sweet inoxious soil be selected, a fertile, sandy 
 loam or well drained clayey-land. 
 
 To recapitulate, in the first ages of the worm, the food must 
 furnish saccharine, to nourish and make them grow ; subsequcntlv, the 
 worm fills its silk vessels, which extends the length of the worm on 
 each side, fr(»m which it spins through a small orifice below the 
 mouth, and the resin accumulated and which makes the silk; the 
 strength and weight of Avhich depends upon the quality and quan- 
 tity thus secreted. 
 
 To produce this food, select suitable land, plough thoroughly,, 
 and place the ])lants 12 feet each way, so as to admit a cart or 
 hand-barrow for picking leaves ; beside, the space can be at different 
 seasons of the year cultivated in melons or vegetables. Healthy, 
 vigorous .shrubs are to be made of the plants instead of trees — which 
 to do^they must be cut back the beginning of every season, forc- 
 ing them to shoot from the root, making many branches and leaves. 
 
 To plant cuttings, the ground must be prepared very neatly, 
 by spadiug and raking, leaving it mellow and free from all stone* 
 
FOOD. 13 
 
 or sticks, selecting ground shaded and protected from cold wind 
 and hot sun. In planting the Alba and Nigra, which are of hard 
 wood, place them in the ground somewhat inclined, covering the 
 cutting entirely, excepting two buds ; press the soil close. This 
 done after a rain, they will not require water unless a continuous 
 drought prevails. In the Southern States this propagation can be 
 done in the tall or spring, but in cold latitudes the spring will be 
 the period best suited for cuttings. The Morus Multicaulis, being 
 a more succulent plant, of soft wood, it can, after preparing the 
 soil as heretofore advised, be planted horizontally, putting a 
 cutting, any length or size, entirely in the ground, which will 
 sprout from every bud. When roots are well formed (next season) 
 these must be subdivided and transplanted as advised. 
 
 Grafts, where acres are required, would be too expensive, and 
 I think are entirely unnecessary. I am satisfied that neither the 
 quantity or quality of silk would be changed by feeding worms on 
 grafted mulberries — we are in pursuit of leaves, not fruit. I 
 believe an orchard, carefully nursed, can be obtained almost as 
 soon from seed as from cuttings, and is much the least expensive 
 manner of doing so, as one ounce of seed will give five thousand 
 plants. First, procure reliable seed. Prepare bed as for onions, 
 soak the seed for forty-eight hours, plant in drills, press or water 
 so as to make the soil lie close. AVater when necessary ; hand weed. 
 If too thick, draw out plants as soon as they have strength for 
 transplanting. Finally (next season), cut back within four or six 
 inches of root, and transplant to orchard ground. 
 
 Picking leaves to feed requires very considerable judgment. I 
 would not advise the use of the orchard for feeding worms before 
 the third summer from seed or cuttings. If well cultivated, they 
 will have required sufficient strength or renin at this time to make 
 silk. In gathering leaves, pass the hand upward, taking all the 
 leaves from the same branch, except the terminal, which must be 
 left as the lung of the plant. If stroked downward, the buds will 
 be destroyed, and if one or more leaves are left, they will draw the 
 sap and prevent a new growth. In the early stages of the worm, 
 when very few leaves will suffice, of course very young leaves can 
 be selected from branch to branch. Hand bags, with a hoop at 
 
14 SILK FARMING. 
 
 the top, are conveuieat for receiving leaves, which must not bs" 
 exposed to the sun, rain or dust. Of course, mulberries can be- 
 cultivated in hedges if preferred. 
 
 In reference to the Osage Orange as food for the worm, I can 
 testify that they thrive and make good silk upon it, and a Mr. 
 Itschner, a silk manufacturer of Philadelphia, says " he could 
 discover no difference in the silk liaised on the mulberry and that 
 raised on the osage orange." Prof. liiley, of the Agricultural De. 
 partment, Washington City, D. C, raised a family of worms for 
 eleven consecutive years on the osage and testifies that he saw no 
 decline in the breed, and he thinks that the osage is preferable, 
 because it possesses moreof the silk-making resin than the mulberry. 
 
 With such testimony we are left to follow our own choice, and 
 we hail it as a fortunate support to sericulture that there are so 
 many miles of this doubly valuable plant traversing the country ; 
 yet, to me the thorns would always be a serious objection, but 
 American invention will circumvent this difficulty and furnish some 
 protection in gathering leaves — still query? if supplied in branches, 
 will not the thorns wound more or less the worms? 
 
 The silkworm is very dainty, and has a choice from what it 
 shall make the winding sheet of golden thread, which is the one 
 purpose of its short life, into which no adulteration is admitted, for 
 it will die before submitting to imposture. Lettuce, cabbage or 
 dandelion leaves will be tolerated to accommodate the season for 
 awhile, but when the silk making age (the fifth) arrives, the worm- 
 requires silk making food. 
 
 COCOONERY. 
 
 IN this, expense can be avoided; at the same time a suitable shelter 
 is a necessity to the worm, and as eggs that fill an ordinary wine- 
 glass, will develop into forty thousand worms and more, growing three 
 inches in length, it becomes those entering upon the work to consider 
 "what will he do with it." 
 
16 !^ILK FARMING. 
 
 Circumstances must control or direct individuals in the matter 
 of cocoonery, into which greatly enters the matter of climate. For 
 experimental purposes a vaca:it room in a dwelling house will an- 
 sw^er, or a table even in one already occupied; but those who intend 
 to raakesericulture a business, a money making interest, undoubtedly 
 should make an independent provision for sheltering the worm. 
 In parts of the South an outside shelter might answer, provided 
 the rains and dews could not reach the larva3, but the birds, ants, 
 lizards and poultry would render such exposure impossible. 
 
 If, therefore, a c(x'oonery must be built, let other purposes enter 
 into its construction, as it will be needed only for a few weeks of 
 the year for worm-raising. I would advise a loft to break the 
 force of the sun, and a ground floor to shelter or dry leaves if 
 the weather should be unfavorable. This ventilation above and 
 below will give to the centre-room great advantages in temperature. 
 Windows should be in on all sides, admitting air from the top and if 
 possible, openings should be left (arranged to close however) below 
 windows, so as to effect free circulation of air at times. Window 
 frames can be filled with bagging instead of sash and glass, but 
 there must be shutters to close in case of storm and rain. It is most 
 prudent to provide means of heating by fire-place or stove, as the 
 weather is variable in the South during the spring, and always a 
 great difference in the temperature of day and night. For the 
 advantage of those who desire to have a separate cocoonery, I 
 have attached a plate of what is considered a model. It should 
 be 100 feet long and 30 feet wide, two stories high, and contain 
 four rows of shelves on each floor, by passage-room between for the 
 convenience of changing hurdles, etc. It is estimated that two 
 millions of worms can be raised in a building of this construction, 
 but the loft and basement must be considered for reasons given. 
 
 I would recommend feeding frames, laced and counter-laced 
 with cotton-cord of different sized mesh for different aged worms ; 
 a large nail should be driven half through each corner of frame to 
 prevent it resting heavily on the Avorm. Place the leaves on top of 
 the netting or cords, and the worms will crawl through or above, 
 leaving the tray below, so that it can be easily cleaned of all debris, 
 Perfoi'ated paper is recommended, but it is too heating, I think, and 
 
COCOONERY. 17 
 
 mosquito netting is of doubtful use, though I thiuk it may be 
 ndniirable as lining to the bottom of a tray, iustead of paper, as it 
 will admit greater circulation of air. 
 
 Hygiene is of the utmost importance in preparing a cocoonery 
 for the Education, or raising of the worm, and to avoid contagion ; 
 Pasteur gives the following directions in the preparation of a 
 cocoonery, which I suppose are in jjoint where a building has been 
 in continuous use for a long time : 
 
 1st. Paint or wash the walls or surface of the floors with a 
 solution of chloride of lime. 
 
 2d. Place together all boxes, frames, utensils, before used, and 
 having closed hermetically all openings into the cocoonery, burn a 
 few ounces of sulphur, in order to destroy by fumigation all ani- 
 malcula suspended in the air, or hidden in the crevices of walls. 
 
 3d. Wipe the floors with strong solution of spirits of turpen- 
 tine or coal oil. 
 
 4th. To lower the temperature, sprinkle the floors with cold 
 water frequently, and never sweep during the Education, but wupe 
 the floor with a wet cloth. 
 
 Construct so as to exclude mice, rats, birds, lizards, ants and 
 poultry. 
 
 Temperature is of very great importance in sericulture; first, to 
 the egg and to the worm throughout its existence, thermometers must 
 adorn the walls of a cocoonery, which must be constantly studied, 
 for during the feeding period, they should not fall below 75° or 
 80°, which must be corrected by closing windows and gentle fires. 
 So carefully is temperature considered in the Chinese cocooneries, 
 that a man devoid of clothing is sent occasionally into the wards 
 to test the atmosphere. This is a very difficult matter upon which 
 to advise, for there is, I believe, greater danger from too great heat 
 than cold ; consequently, I will recommend the good sense of fol- 
 lowing nature as far as possible. Consider the worm as on the tree. 
 Naturally, he seeks shade under the leaf: this indicates that he 
 would avoid the heat of the sun. To reach this instinct, arrange a 
 cocoonery so as to command light and air, but do not admit the 
 power of the sun. The air should be fresh, never stagnant, but 
 draughts must be studiously avoided, for chills are death to the 
 
18 SILK FARMING. 
 
 worm ; there must be warmth without heating. Damp or moist 
 atmosphere must on no account be allowed. When the weather is 
 equable and genial windows can be opened, but a necessity to ven- 
 tilation are holes above and below in the walls of a room, made 
 with movable slides, and the number proportioned to size of room^ 
 The perspiration from worms is very great, consequently the sur- 
 rounding air is soon affected by it, and hence disease. 
 
 The best period of raising worms will be from the first of 
 April to first of June. This is usually a dry season with us, making 
 it practicable to use barns and even sheds for the raising^ 
 of worms, provided the latter can be protected from vermin 
 of all kind, birds and poultry. Indeed, in carrying millions 
 of worms through the " Education" 1 am satisfied these open build- 
 ings will be favorable if the influence of rain and winds can be 
 avoided. Of course, a building conducted upon strict principles of 
 ventilation to serve at all times and difierent conditions of the at- 
 mosphere must be a great advantage to the prosperity of the worm, 
 and will in time bring return in the abundance of cocoons of good 
 quality. Thus a trifling expense would render useless garrets, barns 
 and warehouses as desirable places for rearing silkworms. 
 
 EGGS. 
 
 HAVING had the opportunity of studying varieties in cocoons,, 
 and of observing results, I have arrived at the conclusion 
 that there is nothing of so much importance in silk raising as 
 to procure a breed that is productive of silk, as some are greater 
 spinners than others, and though these natural capacities are greatly 
 augmented by plentiful feeding and careful tending in good races,. 
 yet there are varieties the natural force of which cannot be changed 
 by any amount of food. It is most discouraging to see the work 
 of a season expended on the worthless many-crop worms ; and as 
 Southern people are especially deluded by the promising names of 
 Bivoltines and Trivoltines. I would warn them that it is labor lost 
 tc raise them, for they produce a thin cocoon, eat as much and 
 occupy as much time to complete their work as the Annual; besides^ 
 
EGGS. 19 
 
 the small quantity of silk returned is coarse and rough. One big 
 crop of Annuals will pay better in results, and if a second crop is 
 desired it will pay better to import eggs from a colder climate, or to 
 keep part of the stock back, by subjecting them to a low tempera- 
 ture in an ice-house or refrigerator ; but do not place them on 
 ice, or the vitality will be destroyed. Varieties in worms have 
 been so multiplied by crossings, that it is difficult to ascertain what 
 are independent or original breeds, but inquiry and close study of 
 the subject enables me to give the following list, which I think 
 covers the subject sufficiently to guide in a choice towards raising a 
 crop ; and from these, by careful selection and subsequent attention 
 in keeping kinds distinct, the United States may arrive at great 
 success in raising a healthy variety, that will not only make us in- 
 dependent of importing eggs, but give a reputation that will enable 
 us to export for foreign use. As the best cocoon that I have found, 
 I name the 
 
 Milanaise Yellow, which is of medium size, a rich cream color, very 
 fine ; said to yield 120 pounds of cocoons to one ounce of eggs. 
 
 The Yellow-var is larger, same color, and will yield from eighty 
 (80) to one hundred pounds (100) of cocoons to one ounce of 
 
 eggs. 
 
 The Corsica White is a large firm white cocoon, not satin looking 
 (which is a defect), which will yield from one hundred to one 
 hundred and twenty pounds of cocoons to one ounce of eggs. 
 
 The Japanese Green is a small, firm, green cocoon, very fine, yield- 
 ing forty pounds of cocoons to one ounce of eggs. 
 
 There is no way of distinguishing the race by the egg. 
 
 I have had an opportunity of examining a variety of cocoons ex- 
 hibited at the last Paris Exposition (1873) from the Levantine 
 Coast, Turkey, Syria, Asia Minor, Greece, Egypt and English In- 
 dia. With few exceptions they appear to be of the many-crop worms, 
 large, thin and coarse ; and as these are purported to have been 
 collected from the Marseilles market, I concluded that if they 
 were veritable specimens of what the Eastern world had furnished 
 for the silk supply, it had much to gain from the adoption of the 
 
20 SILK FARMING. 
 
 industry in the United Sates, the brisk breezes and space of which 
 can and must in time bring silk to a higher standard than it lias 
 reached heretofore in any country. For, in addition to natural 
 advantages, a different people will handle it — one that by intelli- 
 gence, enterprise and perseverance overcome all obstacles to estab- 
 lish perfectiou. In Europe and Asia, the people have raised 
 silk work in a groove, generation after generation, thus perfecting 
 what they do, but never advancing. Americans will appropriate 
 what is best from them, then go forward developing modes of their 
 own, even to the subjection of nature to their indomitable will. 
 
 If eggs are imported from abroad, they should be obtained in 
 the months of O-^tober, November and December, and on their 
 arrival should at once be placed at very low temperature, and 
 so kept until the spring food is ready. The transportation is 
 in itself calculated to advance incubation, for I believe, if left un- 
 didurhed in any climate, they will not hatch until nature provides 
 leaves plentiful to support them; but under all abnormal conditions 
 they should be kept at a temperature not higher than 55°. Rela- 
 tive to eggs, we have very much to learn. It may arrive that we 
 shall find that while one section is best adapted to cocoon raising, 
 another is better for eggs. 80 let none be obstinate in belief until 
 experiment establishes what is best. 
 
 More than one crop in a season may succeed, but will fail 
 nine times out of ten. There is one certain chance of success, and 
 that is to begin the crop as early as respective climate will admit, 
 and then push the crop forward by feeding, so that the worm will 
 not be eating more than thirty days. Every day after that is loss 
 in silk and increase of expense. 
 
 It has become a general opinion that it will pay best to raise 
 eggs. So it would if you can be assured of purchasers, but the simple 
 question how long the demand would last answers the question of 
 expedienc3^ It is possible that the United States may become a great 
 egg-raising district, but to give her eggs record she must first raise 
 silk in plentiful crops of firm cocoons. 
 
 As old as silk raising is to the world there seems to be nothing 
 positively known as to the causes of blight to the silkworm, so that 
 Ave start with equal ignorance to make the industry profitable ; 
 
EGOS. 21 
 
 but we must accept the ignorance before we can attain knowledge. 
 So let no one undertake to raise eggs for market until the reputation 
 for healthiness and superiority of the worm is established ; let the 
 test continue through two or three generations of worms, oli- 
 serving and recording Education, until the record for health 
 and vigor of the worm and yield of cocoons can be officially 
 declared. This cai'e in practice by individuals in neighborhoods 
 will bring its reward in a few years, whereas if eggs are raised and 
 l)y every experimentalist, doubt will always attend the reputation 
 of home breeds. Silk culture in its various phases is big with in- 
 terest and profit, but to develop it we piust rise to the magnitude. 
 France for thirty years has been so deficient in raising eggs for her 
 own use as to be obliged to import them from Japan and China, ex- 
 pending in this trade annually over a million dollars, and these eggs 
 to reach France pass over our country. We are nearer to France, 
 so if we can establish the reputation of producing healthy eggs of 
 reliable varieties, we can find a convenient market for all we raise. 
 This blight or disease of the silkworm, which effects the moth and 
 consequently the egg, has caused such immense loss of revenue to 
 France that Pasteur, the great scientist, has been for years employed 
 by the Government to discover the cause. He attributes it to care- 
 less breeding; and thus the evil was partially corrected by cross 
 breeding, using Japanese male and French female moths, and those 
 of the valleys have crossed with those of the highlands, but as the 
 trouble continues, it would seem as if the cause of failure is not yet 
 established. 
 
 I am inclined to think that this blight to the silkworm in France 
 is owing to causes easily avoided in this spacious territory. There 
 Avas a time when the French peasant raised a few thousand cocoons, and 
 reeled them into silk in a very primitive way, which brought them 
 satisfactory prices, and as they reeled the cocoon green they saved 
 the chrysalis, which developed into the moth and produced the 
 eggs, which was another source of dependence; after awhile capi- 
 talists established filatures, and by rejecting the silk i-eeled by 
 peasants, obliged them to sell the cocoons at a low rate. To remedy 
 this loss the peasant endeavored to raise greater quantities of cocoons, 
 greater than they had space in their homes to accommodate; hence 
 
22 SILK FARMING. 
 
 crowding and overcrowding, and hence disease and death ; and all 
 " Pasteur" has affected is to declare a remedy in more room, good air 
 and cleanliness, which at the same time declares the cause of the evil. 
 When the eggs are supposed to be perfectly dry the cloth 
 or paper upon which they are deposited should be placed in tin 
 boxes with a sheet of tissue paper between each card. The 
 box should then be placed in a cellar or suspended in an ice- 
 house, and not be disturbed until the next spring. The surround- 
 ing temperature must be noted in the autumn and spring, which 
 should not rise above 45°. If eggs are to be transported to another 
 country it should be done in December or early in January. If 
 the distance only occupies two or three days in passage I would ad- 
 vise eggs not being shipped until the food of the locality to which 
 they are destined is ready, because the agitation of the eggs even 
 during the winter seems to provoke premature " d'ecloision." The 
 Japanese give their cartoons of eggs a cold bath in the autumn — 
 also in the spring, the object being to remove the natural gum, which 
 is supposed to retard equal incubation, and for the same reason they 
 subject them to a gentle vapor bath by the evaporation of heated 
 water near at hand. Dryness is opposed to incubation. Japanese 
 eggs require a longer time to develop. 
 
 HATCHING. 
 
 As it is very desirable to get through the Education before 
 the hot weather, it is well to commence as soon as the mul- 
 berry leaves are large enough and plentiful to allow no in- 
 terruption or falling off in feeding. In the South there are seasons 
 in Avhich the crop might be opened in February, but great discretion 
 must be exercised in this matter, as the temj:)erature of night and 
 day vary so greatly. But those so situated as to use artificial heat 
 to keep up the same temperature in the cocoonery need not hesitate 
 to venture thus early upon the Education, but the last of March or 
 first of April will give time to accomplish the work before the 
 heated term of June. Two or more crops can be raised most cer- 
 tainly, but experience must establish whether this can be done 
 
HATCHING. 23 
 
 "without detriment to trees and breeds. Supposing now that the 
 mulberry leaf is sufficiently developed for feeding, the eggs are 
 brought to a higher temperature, and still to a higher, as incuba- 
 tion ve(\\\\Y&B progressive heat, and the change must not be sudden, 
 but must occupy a day or more. The eggs will hatch at 60°, but it 
 may be necessary to subject them to 75° or 80°, but in any case it 
 will take seven or eight days to produce the change. Do not hasten 
 incubation by forcing heat — avoid any check by chilling — but if 
 artificial heat is applied let it be slow and progressive — raising the 
 temperature half a degree each day. It is of the greatest 
 importance (to convenience thereafter) to hatch all eggs at the same 
 time, or as nearly so as possible, that they may moult and spin all at 
 the same time ; and in order to effect this, establish an equilibrium 
 of temperature night and day (say 75°), and keep the eggs out of 
 a draft. From the deep lavender or sage-green tint the eggs Avill grow 
 gradually lighter in color until the little mite breaks the shell. The 
 room for hatching should be small, as the temperature can be better 
 regulated. Do not admit outside air for the first few days ; the same 
 temperature in which the eggs were hatched must be maintained — 
 for if the larvae get chilled they hide themselves in the leaves, eat 
 no more, and die. The first age passed, a little air can be admitted, 
 Avith great caution. They will hatch from six to ten o'clock 
 in the morning, when incubation seems to cease until the 
 following morning. Those that first come forth are few com- 
 paratively, and as early hatching indicates vigor, it is recom- 
 mended to keep these separate throughout t\\Q Education ^xxA. feed 
 them up for egg producers. When hatching commences, place a few 
 very tender leaves over the eggs (to which the larvEe will attach them- 
 selves immediately, and which should be transferred to another 
 tray and to a lower temperature, so as to retard aj^petite), and feed 
 lightly until a second and third lot of larvae are secured in the same 
 way ; this done, feed up as if all loere the same age. By this means 
 they will be brought through all the moults and ages at the same 
 time, and to do this is of incalculable advantage. Those hatched after 
 the third day can be classed in the same way, or better still, a lot of 
 •eggs can be kept at the low temperature, until the first are a few 
 ■davs in advance. If two crops are desirable, obtain from a more 
 
24 SILK FARMING. 
 
 backward climate the second supply of eggs (annuals), but under 
 no circumstances would I advise reliance on the Bi, Tri and PoUy- 
 voitine families, for I am convinced it is loss of time and labor. It 
 is best to ivinter eggs where you propose to raise them, for it hastens 
 incubation to move them, which must not occur until the food is 
 ready for them. 
 
 It is estimated that there are 40,000 eggs in one ounce, and con- 
 sequently if well hatched will return 40,000 worms. What quantity 
 of cocoons shall be the return, depends, I think, greatly upon the 
 variety of eggs, and then upon feeding and rearing. 
 
 As arbitrary rules are so likely to prevent many from an under- 
 taking in which they think they must follow directions to the letter 
 I would advise only the practice of common sense in the pursuit 
 of natural laws and influences. The fowl brings her eggs gradu- 
 ally to a temperature that develops life, and we know that any 
 unnatural depression of this heat would destroy the vitality of the 
 egg. The French peasants, with this idea, carry the silkworm 
 eggs about the body, even placing them in the bed at night so 
 that there can be no loss of heat until incubation is complete^ 
 when they proceed to raise the larvae in their kitchens, or sleeping 
 rooms, on top of a bed, top of a toilet or table. Notwithstanding, 
 when possible, a small well-plastered low-ceiling room is best for 
 hatching, because, in such, an equilibrium of heat can be best sus- 
 tained, and to do this a small stove is best. This room should be 
 well-warmed for a day or two previously to bringing the eggs into 
 it; the heat shall then be gradually increased, starting at 60° 
 and increasing daily (not all in a day) until it reaches 80° and 
 even 90° by the seventh day. If you have more than one ounce of 
 eggs, divide them, keeping each ounce on a tier of shelves- 
 distinct from any other, and then sub-divide ounces, spreading 
 your eggs so each worm as it comes forth may have freedom of 
 movement. If your eggs have not been separated from the cloth 
 or paper in which they were laid, make the same calculations for 
 space. Dry air is not favorable to hatching, so it is well to keep 
 one or more buckets of water in the room to furnish the necessary 
 moisture from evaporation. One mode of removing the larvae from 
 the nest is to stretch lightly over the eggs very coarse mosquito net- 
 
HATCHING. 25 
 
 ting, on which you will lay the most tender mulberry leaves; the 
 larvffi will make its way through the holes of the netting and attach 
 themselves at once to the leaves, on which they can be transported 
 to trays, though placing the tender leaves on the eggs will accom- 
 plish the same. If your eggs hatch unifonnly, you can retain the 
 worms for awhile in the same room by gradually lowering the tem- 
 perature, as they must not be exposed to too great a change at once ; 
 75° i« the established necessary temperature for the worms, and this 
 nmst be secured by the admission of pure air without draft or wind. 
 
 Count Dandolo (an Italian authority) says " that the woi-ms 
 hatched from one ounce, and calculated to be 40,000, should at the 
 start occupy n'me-and-a-half square feei, the worms being first laid in 
 squares of ten inches, which will give a margin to cover by the first 
 moulting," but adds, " where it is possible to occupy more room do 
 so, for with greater space the worms eat, digest and rest better." 
 
 They should not be removed from the litter until immediately 
 after the first moult, taking them up (as they revive) on twigs and 
 removing to portable hurdles, bul^ they must not be fed until the 
 whole lot shall revive. This matter of keeping the worms in the 
 name stage of development is of the utmost consideration through- 
 out the Education. Without this system it is impossible to feed any 
 number to advantage, and this rule must be practised throughout 
 every moult or change. These periods of torpor last about twenty- 
 four hours, and it is much better that those that revive first should 
 be kept back, by giving them very little or no food until the more 
 sluggish rise than to permit one portion to advance beyond another. 
 These changes known as moults are periods of sickness with the 
 worms, during which they do not eat, but labor in waiting to rid 
 themselves of a skin, from ■which they come forth fresh, vigorous, 
 and with increased growth and appetites ; and you learn from these 
 changes how important it is to keep the worms in a parallel condi- 
 tion from the start. If kept even they will moult and rise at the 
 same time which is a great advantage in feeding, clearing th.e litter, 
 and one that is felt throughout the Edxication. There are four 
 of these periodical changes which end with the fifth age of the 
 worm, which then passes into the chrysalis stage with the sixth age. 
 
«§■ 
 
 1st Day 
 2cl ' 
 3d ' 
 4th ' 
 oth ' 
 
 1st Day 
 2a " 
 
 3d " 
 
 -1th " 
 
 1st Day 
 
 2d " 
 3d " 
 
 4th " 
 
 5th " 
 
 fjth 
 
 Po. 
 
 Oft'-' _ 
 
 
 't^ 
 
 
 Development. 
 
 HATCHING. 
 
 FIRST AGE. 
 
 SECOND AGE. 
 
 THIRD AGE. 
 
;;i ;5tli 
 
 ^ffl^^S^^ 
 
 oo "til 
 
 34 !8th 
 
28 
 
 SILK FARMING. 
 
 COUNT DANDOLO'S TABLE 
 
 OK TIIK 
 
 REARING OF SILKWORMS FROM ONE OUNCE OF EGGS. 
 
 
 
 
 TEMPERA- 
 
 
 1 
 
 TOTAI. 
 
 AGES. 
 
 SPACE. 
 
 
 LEA^'EK. 1 
 
 Amount of 
 
 
 
 TURE. 
 
 
 
 Leaves. 
 
 
 Ft. I>-. 
 
 
 I.I5. 
 
 0/.. 
 
 Lb. 
 
 K 
 
 1st Day. 
 
 
 
 
 
 14 
 
 
 
 2d " 
 
 
 
 1 
 
 6 
 
 
 i, -• 
 
 3d " 
 
 9 6 
 
 75° 
 
 3 
 
 
 
 7 
 
 X 
 
 4th " 
 
 
 
 1 
 
 6 
 
 
 £ [ 5th " 
 
 
 
 
 
 6 
 
 
 c r 1st Day. 
 
 
 
 4 
 
 8 
 
 
 |s! 2d " 
 g< i 3d " 
 
 19 
 
 73° to 75° 
 
 7 
 
 12 
 
 8 
 
 21 
 
 ^- [ 4th " 
 
 
 
 2 
 
 4 
 
 
 . 
 
 1st Day. 
 
 
 
 6 
 
 12 
 
 
 
 2d "' 
 
 
 
 21 
 
 8 
 
 
 
 3d " 
 4th " 
 
 46 
 
 71° to 73° 
 
 22 
 12 
 
 8 
 5 
 
 69 
 
 s 
 
 5th " 
 
 
 
 6 
 
 8 
 
 
 ^ , 6th " 
 
 
 
 6 
 
 8 
 
 
 
 1st Day. 
 
 
 
 23 
 
 4 
 
 
 \c 
 
 2d " 
 
 
 
 39 
 
 
 
 
 ^ 
 
 3d " 
 
 
 
 52 
 
 8 
 
 
 K ■ 
 
 4th '• 
 
 109 
 
 68° to 71° 
 
 59 
 
 4 
 
 210 
 
 2; 
 
 5th " 
 
 
 
 29 
 
 4 
 
 
 t; 
 
 6th " 
 
 
 
 26 
 
 12 
 
 
 ^ L 7th " 
 
 
 
 26 
 
 12 
 
 
 
 r 1st Day. 
 
 
 
 42 
 
 
 
 
 
 2d " 
 
 
 
 66 
 
 10 
 
 
 
 3d " 
 
 
 
 93 
 
 
 
 
 ^ 
 
 4th " 
 
 
 
 130 
 
 
 
 
 t- 
 
 5th " 
 6th " 
 
 239 
 
 68^ to 69° 
 
 185 
 223 
 
 8 
 
 
 1,281 
 
 fc 
 
 7th " 
 
 
 
 214 
 
 
 
 
 £ 
 
 8 th " 
 
 9th " 
 
 10th " 
 
 
 
 150 
 
 120 
 
 56 
 
 
 
 14 
 4 
 
 
FEEDING. 29 
 
 The pupa or chrysalis accomplishes atransfoi'inatiou in twelve or 
 fifteen days and re-ap])ears to the light as a moth. It requires from 
 thirty to thirty-five days to develop these changes (not including 
 that of the pupa), but the time can be lessened by increased tem- 
 perature and increased food, and this can be done without danger to 
 quality or quantity of silk. After each moult continue to spread, 
 giving space, but be careful to keep lots numbered ; though you may 
 have a dozen separate trays of the same age, they should all be No. 
 1, or No. 2, as it may be. 
 
 The fifth age is the most critical, and as the worms come out of 
 the last moult (the 4th), it is considered best not to wait for the 
 most tardy, but remove and feed generously, as they revive from 
 their sleep, still dividing and giving space. Count Dandolo's 
 chart, by whicli he regulated space, temperature and food for each 
 age, in regard to space must be considered, as a minimum, the 
 least that can be allowed to safety and to health. 
 
 This chart, with one presenting the size of the worm correspond- 
 ing with the different ages, can be utilized to great advantage by the 
 student, though more space and more food can always be allowed. 
 Indeed, discretion will often suggest intermediate meals to help the 
 sluggish forward, and a nice judgment must be exercised as to the 
 air of the cocoonery, for though the temperature is dictated, there 
 must be ventilation and a frequent agitation of the atmosphere, 
 which can be procured by openings in the floor or near it (in the 
 lower part of a door) and transoms over windows ; indeed, it must 
 be determined by those in attendance when it is sometimes necessary 
 to have all doors and windows open, always remembering to avoid 
 winds or chilling drafts. 
 
 FEEDING. 
 
 rriHE young worms having attached themselves to tender leaves 
 which were laid over the eggs, remove them to the feeding- 
 frame, where they are spread, preserving as nearly as possible 
 the same temperature in which they are hatched which must be 
 gradually lowered, at the same time accustoming them to ventila- 
 
 1 
 
30 SILK FARMING. 
 
 tion, when^ finally (iu good weather) the windows and do'ors can be 
 left opened, provided the sun is not admitted, and tlie chilb 
 of morning and evening must be prevented. Draughts must be 
 avoided and all sudden changes of temperature, and in chilly or 
 rainy weather fire may be necessary. For the first feeding, chop 
 the leaves very fine and feed frequently, but little at a time. They 
 would seem rather to suck at this period than to eat, consequently 
 the food must be administered fresh and often. As the larvK grow 
 spread by breaking the bed very gently before sprinkling the fresh 
 food, filling the spaces with the fresh supply, and persevere in this 
 mode, not changing or throwing away the bed until the first day of 
 the 3d age, but always space as the larva) seem to require. Continue 
 to chop the leaves (though less fine) through the 4th age, at which 
 time they can be trusted to eat whole leaves, which must gradually 
 increase in firmness with the age of the worm. The worms must 
 never wait for food, nor must they be burdened with leaves ; watch 
 the trays and give leaves when needed. To remove the dried leaves 
 and to clean the beds of the very young larvss the best plan is to 
 place coarse mosquito netting over them, and then sprinkle on top 
 of the netting finely chopped leaves, to which they will readily 
 crawl, leaving the old bed free to be removed ; later, when the 
 larvse are too large for mosquito netting corded frames are useful. 
 I object to the use of perforated paper on account of keeping the 
 worms too much heated. All through the Education spacing the 
 worms must be considered for lying too close for twenty-four hours 
 will make them sick ; as they perspire freely leaves must not lie too 
 thick, for the accumulation will create damp and mould, which 
 does not come from outside influences, nor must the leaves be rough 
 or tough, and it is best not to give more food than they can consume 
 in a short period, for it is best to feed all the time, instead of stated 
 hours, passing the hurdles, placing on each only what may be con- 
 sumed until the round is made. A good start is of the utmost im- 
 portance, and it will be found that individual intelligence must pro- 
 vide for the comfort and growth of these little mites; having adopted 
 them, we must think and act for them ; spread the fresh food so that 
 all can have an equal chance ; having allowed a margin in placing 
 them on the tray keep spreading so that none shall get hidden or 
 
FEEDING. 31 
 
 buried under dried or withered food. The peasants of Europe tend 
 them as babies, and sit up with them at night as with the sick. 
 Never feed with wet, dusty, withered or diseased leaves ; see that no 
 insect infests the leaves ; anticipate rains and gather leaves, which 
 can be kept two or three days in a cool cellar ; and a good plan is to 
 gather leaves in the afternoon for the early morning meals, and 
 gather in the forenoon for the evening consumption. Nothing must 
 prevent regularity and abundance, not only at the early stage, but 
 all through the season of Education — feeding as late as possible at 
 night and at earliest day must be the rule. To imitate nature and 
 give the worm the advantage of ventilation it* is a good plan to feed 
 occasionally with branches or twigs (called the Cavallo system), 
 which from not lying so close permit a circulation of air beneath, 
 and to lay these crosswise increases the advantage, and then over 
 these feed with leaves. 
 
 The utmost cleanlines-s is necessary throughout ; debris excre- 
 ment and dead worms must not only be removed from trays, but 
 must not be allowed to accumulate in the cocoonery. The larvse 
 must not be disturbed to remove litter during first stage. By 
 spreading they will keep healthy, but all litter must be removed 
 after each moult, and, as they grow more helpful oftener, and at 
 last every day. 
 
 There is nothing easier than to raise silkworms, but to raise 
 them so that they Avill make firm full-cocoons is no holiday matter ; 
 it remains with the feeder whether a cocoon shall reel off" four or five 
 hundred yai'ds or twelve or thirteen hundred. To accomplish the 
 latter it is necessary to have eggs of healthy parentage. Plenty of 
 good food for larvse, plenty of space, pure air of uniform tempera- 
 ture, thorough cleanliness and constant watchfulness can alone 
 secure these advantages. Strict adherence to these rules, and the 
 daily study and pursuit of the system directed, should bring the 
 " Educateur" success and reward. Fine camels' hair brushes of 
 difi[erent sizes, will aid very much in removing small and large 
 worms. 
 
 It is of the utmost importance to see that neither ants, mice, 
 roaches, birds or poultrT/ can have access to the larvse, for they will de- 
 stroy in a short time all prospects of a crop. To avoid ants set the 
 
32 SILK FARMING. 
 
 legs of your stands or tables iu cups of water tinctured with spirits 
 of turpentine, and wipe off the tables and even floor with a little car- 
 bolic acid mixed with the water ; this will conduce to health also. 
 
 No sweeping can be allowed ; wipe floors over with wet cloth, 
 and all noise, even thunder, must be shut out if possible, and no 
 noxious vapors, such as tobacco, be admitted, uorsmokeofany kind. 
 
 The most critical period of silkworms is after the fourth moult, 
 during the fifth age, and the success of the culture depends upon its 
 safe passage. This is the time that destructive diseases attack them 
 and the fruits of mismanagement heretofore develop. They must 
 be most carefully watched, so that any showing symptoms of disease 
 may be at once removed, and plenty of pure, dry air must be admit- 
 ted. The value and quantity of silk depends upon the quality 
 of food at this time, and it must be the very best that can be 
 procured — not the soft and tender leaves of suckers or leaves of 
 young trees, but the firmest, darkest green leaves from oldest trees 
 free from dew, or dampness ; and especially should no change in the 
 variety of food be made at this time, and they should have more fre- 
 quent feeding— in short, never allowed to be without food. Count 
 Dandolo says " that at this period they should occupy 239 square 
 feet of hurdles and be supplied with 1089 pounds of sorted picked 
 leaves" and this he calls a minimum. The hurdles should be cleaned 
 every day during this period. 
 
 Especially look to the temperature, which, if too high, will ex- 
 haust the vigor of the worms and cause them to produce small and 
 thin cocoons. If the weather is stormy and the air damp and chill- 
 ing, close the windows, and it may be necessary to make a little 
 fire, but if the weather is clear and dry, open the windows and let 
 in light and air ; even wipe the floors with wet cloths if the heat 
 seems oppressive, or at least sprinkle the floor. 
 
 As the w^orms advance to matui-ity they will assume a yellow 
 color, and are upwards of three inches in length, having attained 
 their utmost growth, the extremity begins to grow shining and yel- 
 lowish, and finally they seem to grow less, eat less and begin to 
 wander as if in search of a need. At this time the night tempera- 
 ture must be carefully watched, and it may be advisable towards 
 day to have a little fire in the cocoonery, for if the worms are chilled 
 
FEEDING. 33 
 
 at this critical period they will never revive to spin to any ad- 
 vantage. 
 
 To any worms that seem a little backward at this time, give 
 intermediate food as much as they will eat, always well matured 
 leaves. 
 
 Quantity of leaves consumed must bear relation to the nutriment 
 they contain or the quality of the leaf; worms may grow and yet lack 
 of resin may cause failure in silk. Five properties exist in the mul- 
 berry and osage orange ; the coloring matter, fibre and water are use- 
 less as food ; the saccharine substance feeds and makes bodily growth ; 
 the resin is attracted by the organization of the worms to fill certain 
 reservoirs from which it is subsequently spun forth as silk ; so in the 
 preponderance of the saccharine and resin elements in leaves fed to 
 silkworms depends success. The Chinese believe that the maturity 
 of the worm is accelerated by abundance of food, and that the silk 
 is better and increased by rapid gi-owth, and that their appetites are 
 stimulated by high and dry temperature. Atmospheric changes 
 must be considered, for one false step in this, as relaxation in other 
 matters, may be fatal. 
 
34 
 
 SILK FARMING. 
 
 SPINNING. 
 
 SUPPOSING that the worms have been kept at the same space 
 of growth and age, they are now equally ready to mount, or 
 to go lip, which means they have run their course and are 
 now ready to spin. For weeks previously preparations should begin 
 for this period by many devices ; such as gathering bundles of twigs 
 or straw, tied boquet fashion and pulled loose at one end, and made 
 to stand like a shock of grain, big end downwards; and twigs may 
 stand upright around the trays ; newspaper cut into broad fringes 
 and laid over the table ; cornucopias of paper; or twigs may be piled 
 six inches on the table, and w^orms of one mind be strewn over these, 
 to which shall be given a light meal of fresh leaves, over which 
 shall be placed a thin cloth or mosquito netting (old table cloth or 
 sheet, 'and tucked in); they will taketheirlast suj^per and then crawl 
 below into the interstices of the twigs to make cocoons. When 
 there are several hundred thousand cocoons it will require great and 
 swift attention to keep them from spinning together, which latter 
 destroys cocoons for reeling purposes. Much floss and silk are lost 
 oftentimes by raisers not beiug prepared for the spinning of worms, 
 which, in wandering to and fro in search of some object to which to 
 cling, waste their silk, and sometimes end by weaving a mat or net, 
 and do more, as if from vexation they abandon the project. They 
 should be most carefully watched at this period, not being left to 
 their own desires for a moment. After the majority have gone up 
 
HARVESTING. 
 
 35 
 
 remove the lazy ones to another bed — give them light and frequent 
 repasts, until they also " go up." After the worms go into the 
 cocoons they need plenty of air, though it may be rainy and windy. 
 Do not let them spin in the dried leaves and debris as it gives much 
 trouble and injures the market of the iloss. 
 
 HARVESTINQ, 
 
 THE difficulty of determining when the worm ceases to spin 
 and is transformed causes various opinions as to the best time 
 for gathering the cocoons, which must not be delayed too long, 
 or the fly will pierce the cocoon and thereby spoil it for reeling. 
 The sixth day after they begin to spin is that generally fixed upon 
 for harvesting the cocoons, which up to this time imist be left tin- 
 disturbed. 
 
 If the object is to raise eggs for home use or otherwise, the 
 largest and best-shaped cocoons must be selected for that purpose, 
 choosing an equal number of each sex, the female being determined 
 by greater roundness, and the male by a slighter depression in the 
 
36 SILK FARMING. 
 
 middle like that seen in a peanut, thougli it is said that the indi- 
 cations are not always reliable ; sixteen otmces of cocoons will make 
 one ounce of eggs. 
 
 It is estimated that a female fly will lay from 400 to 600 eggs, 
 so that it will be safe to allow 125 flies to an ounce of eggs. Having 
 made your selection of cocoons for egg raising, they can be placed 
 aside in a dark closfet, for it will be twelve or fifteen days before the 
 fly appears. 
 
 On the sixth day, therefore, it is generally determined that 
 the chrysalis shall be stifled, and various modes for this are proposed. 
 Where the lot is small this is easily accomplished by putting them 
 in an oven after the family baking is done for the day, but this re- 
 quires nice judgment, or they may be scorched and the thread so 
 dried as to loose its lustre. Of course, it depends upon the amount 
 of heat applied, but thirty or even twenty minutes should suffice. 
 Another method is to place them in a basket, and to suspend that 
 over a boiler, with a blanket thrown over to keep in the heat ; an 
 hour in this way will stifle them ; they should be carefully sunned 
 for several days afterwards. 
 
 Again, they are recommended to be put in a tin vessel, and that 
 set within boiling water, which shall be kept boiling until the heat 
 reaches equally all the cocoons ; throw a blanket over the top, but do 
 not close hermetically, else the vessel might burst. Then some are 
 suffocated with camphor and alcohol in air-tight vessels. 
 
 A sun of several days in succession might sufliice, but it would 
 be dangerous to trust entirely to this, though in every instance they 
 should be sunned for some time. If there are steam mills conve- 
 nient, the difficulty of stifling quantities will be very much facili- 
 tated by having the bags of cocoons subjected to their steam, con- 
 fining the heat as entirely as possible, so as to steam the whole alike. 
 Now, that they are thoroughly stifled, take oft' all floss and sort the 
 cocoons, placing all of the firmest and of one color together — the 
 satins which are smooth and glossy like satin, together ; the thin- 
 nest, the doubles and most inferior apart, as these points aftect 
 their marketable value very greatly. They should be carefully 
 packed (not crammed) in bags or barrels for transportation. Floss 
 
MOTHS. 
 
 37 
 
 and pierced cocoons beiug of inferior value can be packed in coarse 
 bags, and as express charges tax severely heavy transfers, it would 
 be best to pack in bags altogether. 
 
 Cocoons lose by desiccation about two-thirds of their weight. 
 When fresh from 250 to 300 cocoons will make a pound, three months 
 iifter it will require seven or eight hundred to give the same weight. 
 
 MOTHS 
 
 AFTER carefully selecting the largest, firmest, most precocious 
 and best shaped cocoons for breeding purposes, it is recom- 
 mended to take ofl'all loose floss, which is apt to impede the 
 movements of the fly on coming out ; and a good plan is to string 
 them together and gum them to a box, so that the cocoon in being 
 
38 SILK FARMING. 
 
 fixed will aid egress of the moth by resistance. Place all cocoons 
 thus, but separate the sex so that they may not mate too soon on 
 coming forth, it being necessary that the female should first dis- 
 charge a viscid liquid from her body, which takes place about an 
 hour after coming out of the cocoon. 
 
 After this they may be paired, male and female. The room in 
 which the moths were produced should have been made dark, and 
 it should be kept so during the time of mating. The moths gener^ 
 ally come out in the morning, and they should be mated so as to 
 remain coupled for five or six hours, after which time they must be 
 separated, which is done by taking them by the wing^ and body 
 and pressing the male very gently away from the female. The 
 females should be placed on blotting pa^jer for a short time, to give 
 them an of)portunity to throw off a liquid that would otherwise soil 
 the cards or cloth on which they are to lay their eggs. This must 
 all be watched and directed in a room admitting as little light as- 
 possible. Cloth is recommended for receiving the eggs, as it is 
 easier to remove them from its surface, which is done by some seri- 
 culturists ; but whether cloth or paper it should be weighed and so- 
 marked, so that after the eggs are laid upon, it is easy to discover 
 their weight by re-weighing. It should be a thick and not too smooth 
 paper or the eggs will not adhere. The paper or cloth should be 
 hung against the wall, or made to incline a little, as the fly seems 
 to lay better than if on a plane. Do not have your cards or sheets 
 too large, a foot square is the best size, and ou this place the females,, 
 beginning at the top and going down regularly, allowing space for 
 each to lay from 400 to 600 eggs, which are at first a pale yellow 
 in color, and after various changes they become a bluish grey ; those 
 that do not finally adopt this color, but remain 3-ellow, are consid- 
 ered imperfect. 
 
 The graine that is laid within twelve hours is all that should 
 be preserved. To raise graine is a Special Education, which by 
 careful study of selection, raises the quality of the worm and lessens^ 
 the period of feeding as much as ten or fifteen days when brought 
 to the highest standard. If the females lay their eggs quick and 
 regularly, not heaped, and if they do uo^. loose much of weight after 
 drying, they can be accepted as reliable. 
 
MOTHS. 39 
 
 Preserving the eggs is of great importance. Some sericulturists 
 order them laid on woolen cloth, and later (in January or February ) 
 they scrape them gently ofiF, give them a bath in cool water, dry on 
 blotting paper, otherwise, thoroughly, and pack them in boxes, like 
 seed. I do not like this mode, for I am inclined to think the latent 
 heat is sooner developed in this way, and the eggs are in danger of 
 hatching before the food of the tree is ready for them. The sim- 
 plest mode is to let them be thoroughly dry after being laid on 
 cloth or paper, and then pack these into a tin box made to fit the 
 cards, and place the box in a dark, cool, dry place, where it will not 
 be disturbed until hatching time, at a temperature not below 32° 
 or above 50° or 55°. All possibility of ants, mice, roaches or 
 lizards reaching the eggs must be considered. 
 
 It is recommended and put in practice by some to send eggs laid 
 iu'the South to season in the North, but I do not think it necessary 
 if they are all kept undisturbed in a dry, dark, cool cellar. If the 
 leaves are backward, and there is fear of eggs hatching prematurely, 
 endeavor to place them in an ice house, or refrigerator, but not on 
 the ice. They can (if they persist in being hatched ) be fed on let- 
 tuce, dandelion, and even cabbage leaves, and will grow, but these 
 things will not make silk, though they may be useful to keep 
 the worm alive until the mulberry or osage orange is sufficiently 
 developed to feed them. 
 
 In producing moths from cocoons, the temperature must not 
 be too high, not above 73°, or the transition would 'be too rapid 
 and result in an enfeebled moth. In the transformation from worm 
 to moth, there is no disposition to wander; the fly will spend its 
 short span of life in within limits. Count Dandolo calculated 
 that an ounce of eggs could be raised from 180 cocoons, the 
 sexes being equal. Eggs from the same climate in which they 
 are raised will hatch sooner than if they are imported from a colder 
 climate. Broods from imported varieties of eggs will improve in 
 quality and quantity in the second and third generation, and there 
 need be no decline, if well matured. 
 
40 SILK FARMING. 
 
 REELING. 
 
 THE process of reeling, though apparently simple, requires 
 skill, patience, watchfulness and experience to make a market, 
 able thread ; but good eye sight, uimbleness of fingers and 
 studious attention, will in time overcome all difficulties. The 
 object to be obtained is an even, smooth thread, made by uniting the 
 filaments of six or more cocoons into one, and this is rendered diffi- 
 cult by the variable length of silk on the cocoons, this varying from 
 800 yards to 1000 yards. Even worms of the same breed will not 
 spin the same amount, and cocoons diflPer in fineness, and even the 
 same cocoon will difl^er in the inner and outer thread, and there are 
 defective cocoons. These difierences require great watchfulness to 
 detect and tact to remedy. When they are apparent, the reeler must 
 instantly join on a fresh filament, so quickly that no break or change 
 shall be discovered in the reeling thread by microscopic examination. 
 Cocoons must not be reeled too close to the chrysalis as the silk be- 
 comes inferior, which portion is macerated, carded and spun into sew- 
 ing silks and for material of fringes and braids. Double cocoons and 
 the outside floss are also subjected to maceration and used for inferior 
 purposes. And in reeling there is a certain lapping of the threads 
 necessary, which a little manipulation and the reel itself make easy. 
 
 In the plate, glass eyes are to be fed each with five or seven co- 
 coons, the threads of two eyes are twisted together, then, separating 
 again, they pass through hooks above, and so on again over the wheel 
 holding the hank as it increases. Two hanks can be reeled at once 
 if the reeler is expert. This form of reeling is still ver}- primitive, 
 but new methods will arise, and upon this depends the future of 
 silk raising. An automatic patent is being developed to be worked 
 by electricity with which one woman can attend six reels or pans. 
 
 The difficulty of reeling has been solved in Europe in the estab- 
 lishment of filatures by corporations, but the low price paid by these 
 for cocoons would be discouraging to American labor, although 
 it is the experience with all agricultural products, that the pro- 
 ducer is the least paid for his work. These public filatures are of 
 great advantage in the encouragement of silk raising, but domes- 
 tic reeling by farmers' wives and daughters is practicable, and the 
 
42 
 
 SILK FARMING 
 
 pursuit by them will so certainly secure to the raiser of cocoons^ 
 the jivofit on silk that I would not have them throw away this 
 opportunity of controlling the fruits of labor. The power of steam 
 
 and electricity may enable corporations to run numbers of reels^ 
 more cheaply to themselves, but neither steam or electricity effects 
 the quality of silk reeled, nor supplies the place of a skillful 
 liami and experienced head. American ingenuity will furtheir 
 
 facilitate the means for domestic reeling, but the principle of mak- 
 ing a continuously even, smooth thread, must be secured through all 
 inventions, and the accomplishment of the work can only be done, 
 
REELING. 
 
 43^ 
 
 by skill and practice, both of which the average American woman 
 is capable, though Americans may not follow established plans, 
 for they have already in the matter of reels made greater progresir 
 than they have done in centuries throughout Europe and Asia. 
 
 The art of reeling must be acquired hy instruction, and practice 
 will give all that is requisite, but if the student is sufficiently self-con- 
 fident to undertake it without an instructor, he must put a number 
 of cocoons into the basin wherein the water is kept near boiling, and 
 with a whisk-broom the floss threads are whipped loose and gathered 
 into the hand of the reeler, until single threads wind from the 
 cocoons, which are passed through the glass eyes in numbers of five 
 or seven ; the natural gluten makes them adhere and they pass over" 
 
 the wheel as one thread, and the skill of reeling consists in keeping' 
 the thread supplied, that no bi'eak or deficiency shall be discovered 
 even with a microscope. If the water is too liot, the silk fibre will 
 come off' in bunches and get tangled in the water, if not hot enough it 
 will not unwind at all. Old cocoons require more soaking than the- 
 fresh or green ; consequently, the sooner they are reeled after stifling 
 the better. Of all the processes of manufacture through which 
 silk must pass in being transformed from the raw material in the 
 cocoons to furnish goods, that of reeling is the most important ; on. 
 
DISEASES OF THE SILKWORM. 45 
 
 tlie perfection of this depends subsequent results ; a filature is the 
 foundation of a manufactory. Therefore it is most important that 
 the work of reeling should be conducted by experts. From time to 
 time during the hours of work, tests are made as to the regularity, 
 elasticity, strength and cleanliness of the silk, and a record is kept 
 of these tests. Sorting must precede reeling ; stained cocoons must 
 be reeled immediately, as the stain is an acid that destroys the thread. 
 In one crop there will be four or five different lots or qualities. 
 Count Dandolo says, "2,800 worms will make twelve pounds of 
 fresh cocoons, these reeled and woven will make sixteen yards of 
 Gros de Naples, or fourteen yards of best description of silk." 
 
 On the acquisition of the art of reeling depends the value of silk 
 to any country, and if this becomes yiational, it is not easy to cal- 
 culate its value, but all is lost if cocoons cannot be well reeled, for 
 otherwise no profit to the country can be derived from sericulture. 
 
 Diseases of the Silkworm. 
 
 THESE arise from mismanagement rather than constitutional 
 causes, though the worm possesses great heredity in all char- 
 acteristics, and they are often so afflicted as to destroy crops 
 and blast the prosperity of entire provinces. Scientists have been 
 employed to find causes and to recommend cures, but to little pur- 
 pose, so that we are inclined to think that a close study and practice 
 of common sense rules in the care of the worm throughout its growth 
 is the only means of providing against disease. The worm must be 
 allowed to live in its confinement, so nearly as possible, in a way 
 corresponding to its natural life on the tree. The worm breathes 
 through small holes placed down each side ; if these are obstructed 
 by overcrowding or smearing by ejecting liquids, their pores are 
 closed, hence disease ; consequently, worms should not be so crowded 
 as to touch each other. Diseases proceed from improper food, such 
 as leaves from trees that grow in low wet places, or over rich soil, 
 and these are often fatal. Unsuitable temperature, either too low or 
 too high, and want of pure air and cleanliness are serious causes of 
 
46 SILK FARMING. 
 
 diseases. Mulberry trees may be unhealthy, and they may be 
 covered with poisonous fungi or insects, the effects of which may 
 not be seen at once ; but diseases are liable to attack the worm in the 
 latter stages of life, so late as when the worm has begun to spin, and 
 sometimes not discovered until the moth conies out diseased, which 
 is a cause of injury to the eggs, and through them disease may be 
 perpetuated. Prevention and cure for these many troubles are the 
 same — good food, pure air and -plenty of room. Never let the air 
 become stagnant ; watch closely for any effluvia ; never permit 
 withered leaves or excrement to remain in the laboratory ; when the 
 atmosphere is chilly and damp outside, build fires within (damp is 
 worse than mephitic air), but avoid sudden and violent heats. When 
 worms are found sick, either throw them away or remove to other 
 hurdles for experiment. Don't let cold winds blow upon the worms, 
 but give them light and air all the time. 
 
 Grasserie attacks the worms before the second moulting, and conies 
 from too rich food ; it is recognized by the worms swelling and 
 ejecting a greenish fluid. Remedy, is to clean the hurdles and 
 change the food. 
 
 Flacherie or Blight is the dreaded disease of France ; it attacks the 
 worm in the fifth age : science has failed to find cause or cure. 
 The quality of food, ventilation and atmospheric changes have 
 their influence. 
 
 The Yelloivs is caused by sudden and too great heat ; the worms 
 swell, turn yellow, throw off an acrid humor that poisons all 
 that comes in contact ivith it. Remedy, cleanliness, and cool 
 the atmosphere by sprinkling the floors and admitting pure, 
 dry air. 
 
 Tripes arises from confined exhalations from the worlns themselves. 
 Remedy, clean the hurdles, wipe over with solution of chloride 
 of lime, give dry, healthy food. 
 
 Febrine (which means pepper) causes the worms to look as if 
 sprinkled with pepper ; worms found afflicted with this disease 
 should be buried as they are said to be poisonous. 
 
DISEASES OF THE SILKWORM. 47 
 
 Then there is the Mmeadine and other troubles, but for all we 
 can only advise watchfulness, cleanliness, pure air and plenty of 
 good food. 
 
 Count Dandolo says in reference to the jaundice or yellows, 
 that he found sifting very fine quicklime over the worms efficacious, 
 but as this is too severe a remedy for experiment, it would be moi'e 
 prudent to remove diseased worms and use chloride of lime or car- 
 bolic acid in wiping over the trays, wall and floor as a disinfectant. 
 
 Darkness is unhealthy (until the spinning period), as it gene- 
 rates carbonic acid gas, which is unfit for respiration. 
 
CHICKERING 
 PIANO. 
 
 "IS THE BE3T IN THE WORLD." 
 
 The Ohickering's have always led in the march 
 of improvement in Piano making. Hence their vari- 
 ous styles of 
 
 GRAND, SQUARE, AND UPRIGHT 
 
 Pianos have rapidly gro^vn in public estimation, as 
 is evinced by the number of Chickering Pianos sold 
 since the foundation of the House, -which already 
 exceeds 
 
 Sixty-eight Thousand. 
 
 The highest musical authorities in all lands in- 
 dorse the Chickering Piano. 
 
 "Write for their ne^v Illustrated Catalogue. 
 
 CHICKERING & SONS, 
 
 WAREROOMS: 
 
 130 Fifth Avenue, 152 Tremont St., 
 
 NEW YORK. 
 
 BOSTON, 
 
LIBRARY OF CONGRESS 
 
 |||||||||ii||iii||ii|ii||ii|iii|i|i|i|i|i nil I nil III III nil 
 
 002 849 547 ft < 
 
 DISSTON PURCHASE, | 
 
 -i,000,000 -^CI^ES. 
 
 Florida Land and Improvement Co. 
 
 HAMII.TON OISSTON, President, 
 
 J. J. DUNNE, Vice-President, 
 
 T. H. ASBURY, Treasurer, 
 
 K. SAI^INGEK, Secrotarr 
 
 Lands for Sale at Government Price of $1.25 per Acre 
 
 In Blocks of not less than 80 nor more thati 640 Acres, 
 
 Within six-miles of Railroad Line Price $2.50 per acre. 
 
 THESE LANDS INCLUDE AIJL, VARIETIES «)F XTPI>/VND AND LOW- 
 lantl, and are adapted to Oranges, Lemons, Limes, Pine-Apjilcs, Bananas, 
 Sugar-Cane, Early Vegetables, etc., and are chiefly in the Counties of St. 
 .Johns, Volusia, Brevard, Orange, Snniter, Levy, Hernando, Hillsborough, Polk, 
 Manatee and Monroe. 
 
 Our lands are selling rapidly. Thousands of Settlers have located on them 
 during the past six months. Do not delay if you want them at present Low 
 Prices. 
 
 W. T. FORBES, 
 
 Land Commissioner, Jacksonville, Fla.