THE 
 
 F 543 5 
 
 MS 
 
 opy 1 t UIVDERTAKIIVG 
 
 ABANDONED 
 
 OR 
 
 TSSB CAUSE OP THE PAlLITP.a 
 ORRETARDXNa 
 
 THE 
 
 INTRODUCTION 
 
 OF SILK AND WINE 
 INTO THE UNITED STATES: 
 
 TOGETHER WITH 
 
 Various letters and commwtiications on the subject, 
 
 = V 
 
 BY E. ZVIAUnV, 
 
 First promoter of the Culture of Silk by a Memorial to 
 
 Congress on the introduction of that valuable 
 
 article into the Union. 
 
 CINCINNATI; 
 1832. 
 
2- - /-- SLa. 
 
THE 
 
 SIIiK UI¥DERTAKIIVG 
 
 ABANDONED: 
 
 TSB OiltJSE OP THE PillLUnB 
 
 OR RETARDING- 
 
 . I THE 
 
 y INTRODUCTION 
 
 OF SILK AND WINE 
 
 INTO THg] U]\ITED STATES: 
 
 TOGETHER WITH 
 
 Various letters and communications on the subject^ 
 
 •BY E. 2VEAURY, 
 
 First Promoter of the culture of Silk, by a memorial to 
 
 Congress on the introduction of that 
 
 valuable article into the Union. 
 
 CINCINNATI: 
 
 PRINTED AT THE OFFICE OF THE WESTERN TItLEK. 
 
 1832. 
 

 DISTRICT OF OHIO, To Wit. 
 
 )',<:w«^>-«»-);^ Be it remembered, That on the \3th day 
 ^ L. S. ^ of October, Anno Domini, 1832, JE. Maury, 
 7\i-'^-'^^7\\ of said District, hath deposited in this office, 
 the title of a book, the title of which is in the loords fol- 
 lowing, to-ivit: 
 
 "The silk undertaking abandoned ; or the cause of the 
 failure or retarding the introduction of Silk and Wine 
 into the United States: together with various letters and 
 communications on the subject, by E. Muary, first pro- 
 moter of the culture of Silk, by a memorial to Con- 
 gress on the introduction of that valuable article into 
 the Union." 
 
 The right whereof he claims as author and proprietor, 
 in conformity with an act of Congress, entitled, "A?i act 
 to amend the several acts respecting copy rights.''"' 
 
 WILLIAM MINER, 
 
 Clerk of the District. 
 
 ^jjf 
 
INTRODUCTION 
 
 To ameliorate the condition of man, co advance the 
 cause of civilization, to diffuse the various and rich 
 blessings of a great First Cause, and to render them 
 useful to the different nations upon earth, are some of 
 the benefits and results of commercial enterprise and 
 agricultural skill. It is the privilege of every individ- 
 ual, either in the obscure walks of life, or in the more 
 blazoned paths of distinction, to devote his time and 
 faculties in any pursuit, to which his genius, education 
 or habits may impel him : and though sometimes it hap- 
 pens, that his efforts are thwarted by unforeseen diffi- 
 culties, by the jealousies of rivals, or the pretensions of 
 ignorance and presumption, which are received in lieu 
 of the more certain results of practical skill and science; 
 yet in the end he will triumph, and a generous commu- 
 nity, when disabused of their errours, will promptly re- 
 pay their former neglect, by successful aids and hearty 
 co-operation in the designs of the author, inventor, or 
 propagator of some public benefit. Particularly in the 
 United States is this the case. They contain a nation 
 of enterprising individuals, who compass sea and land, 
 to subject to their use and benefit, the arts, sciences, 
 products and manufactures of other lands. 
 
 Americans are in no respect more remarkable for 
 their original invention, than for their improvements up" 
 
iv . Introduction. 
 
 on the inventions of others. Generalities in science are 
 reduced to practical uses. Nor does this alone confine 
 itself to mechanics or mechanical philosophy. The 
 great variety of soil and climate enables them to adopt j 
 transplant, foster and improve the products of like soils 
 and climatesj in regions beyond the seas. The great 
 staples of sugar, cotton, rice, and indigo, have almost 
 swallowed up the commerce in those articles, from their 
 indigenous countries. There are yet other fabrics and 
 improvements, tending to man's comfort, which may be 
 subdued by American capital and enterprise. Among 
 these are two which are daily becoming more promi- 
 nent, and gradually drawing to their adoption, the talent 
 of the curious and speculative, and the practical exa- 
 mination of the statesman and patriot. I mean the 
 culture of the grape and silk worm. In both subjects, 
 but particularly in the latter, the author of these pages 
 has had a thorough practical education and experience. 
 And it will be found by him, who peruses this work, 
 that nothing is alledged but what is capable of demon- 
 stration, and that the reasons, why the culture of the 
 silk-worm and manufacture of silk have as yet progres- 
 sed so little in tins country and have not more loudly 
 demanded the countenance of the councils of the na- 
 tion and of the states, are fully, freely and frankly set 
 forth. The result of these reasons may be stated in a 
 few words. That all attempts and experiments which 
 have been made, omit the most important part of the 
 scheme, viz: the choice of ground, the proper prepara. 
 tion of soil, the planting and cultivating the mulberry 
 tree, for the proper food of the worm, and the obtention 
 of a proper quantity and quality of the cocoon. Learn- 
 ed essays have been written j wonderful prospects were 
 
Introduction. V 
 
 holden out; fine theories have been adopted. But no- 
 thing has yet been done practically from the beginning 
 "ab ovo." The highest possible improvements may be 
 made in the mechanical construction of a mill, in the 
 application of power to drive its machinery, and the 
 most certain results of its performance may be predict- 
 ed; but if the ground is not prepared for grain, and the 
 grain is not sown, it will be difficult for that mill to 
 yield any flour. 
 
 It will be the object of the author in the Preface to 
 show what he has attempted on this subject, how he has 
 been foiled, and the consequences likely to result from 
 the great disposition to adopt theory in lieu o^ practice. 
 In the preface, will be embodied the correspondence and 
 views which he has had with distinguished men on this 
 subject. The attempts and partial efforts made by some 
 of the states in this matter, and the reasons why they 
 failed. After which he will in the body of the work 
 critically examine and expose the defects, inaccuracies, 
 and false theories in the work of J. D'Homergue, and 
 P. S. Duponceau. 
 
 The testimonials in the possession of the author, both 
 from foreign countries and distinguished citizens of this, 
 will be a sufficient guarantee, that there will be no at- 
 tempt in this work to palm himself upon the public for 
 what he is not; — nor to set on foot a speculation, by 
 which he may put money into his pocket, at the expense 
 or to the impoverishment of credulity. Had that been 
 his purpose, he might long since have accomplished it, 
 and retired with his unlawful gains, to laugh at the im- 
 position which he had practised ; instead of that he has 
 already devoted years of time and labor, in observation 
 of soil and climate, and the collection of informatioa; 
 
 1* 
 
VI Introduction. 
 
 and his pecuniary means in travel and expenses, without 
 having asked or received remuneration from any. 
 
 He still hopes, for when does hope ever expire? 
 alone in affliction or death — he still hopes that the day 
 is not distant, when the attention of the statesmen and 
 patriots of this country, will be directed in the right 
 channel , to institute and conduct large manufactories 
 of silk and silk goods, of equal quality with any other 
 country , and to furnish them to the citizens at a reduced 
 price,- thus giving aditional stimulus to our own labor 
 and skill, encreased activity to capital and enterprise, 
 and a corresponding decrease to foreign importation. 
 
PREFACE 
 
 When I arrived in America, it was with pleasure 
 that 1 observed so extensive a continent well adapted to 
 the production of many valuable articles with which 
 Europe is blessed, but of which this country is depri- 
 ved: particularly silk and wine. Before however mak- 
 ing up any opinion on the subject, or coming to any 
 determination, I thought proper to examine the climate, 
 soil and situation of the country. I accordingly exa- 
 mined various parts of the Union, which I either made 
 my residence or very frequently visited. I can enume- 
 rate twenty states, in half of which I resided some 
 length of time, and the remainder of which I visited 
 frequently upon business; and thus had an opportunity 
 of acquiring a correct idea of their natural character- 
 istics. I studied also the effect of sudden variations, in 
 the weather, on the plants and vegetation of the country, 
 which I found indeed remarkable, compared with those 
 in European countries under the same degree of lati- 
 tude. 1 apprehended that, taking into consideration the 
 difference of temperature under the same degree of lati- 
 tude in America and Europe, and allowing about nine 
 degrees of heat, for that difference, in favor of Europe, 
 the Mulberry tree and wine plant required a totally dif- 
 ferent method of rearing in this new country, to obtain 
 a desirable and durable nutriment for the silk worm, 
 and a substantial fruit for wine. 
 
 Having been stationed several years in the South, 
 West and Middle states, I enjoyed the fullest opportu- 
 nities of reviewing the nature of the soil and climate, 
 of informing myself minutely concerning every attri- 
 bute of both, with a view to practical operation, in case 
 I should commence the introduction, into this vast terri- 
 tory, of the wine and silk of Europe as a permanent 
 
Viii Preface. 
 
 blessing to America. It will not perhaps be amiss to 
 inform the readers of these few pages, upon what my 
 claims to a knowledge of this subject are founded. 
 
 I will therefore mention that before I came to this 
 country, I superintended in Lombardy, Venetian states, 
 several years, in toto, many establishments for carrying 
 on the production of silk and wine, belonging to my pa- 
 rents and others; as also, in general, the necessary ope- 
 ration of agricultural improvement, particularly in the 
 perfect cultivation of the mulberry tree, to the full ap- 
 probation of experienced agriculturists, and of those 
 immediately interested in the concerns under my charge. 
 I have attended to, and followed every branch with 
 success, and have acquired all the practical information 
 necessary to enable me, in a country with which I am 
 familiar, to impart the proper operation of silk making; 
 planting and cultivating the mulberry, to raising the 
 silk worm and making raw silk. 
 
 That the manufacture of silk may be established in 
 the United States, with permanence and advantage, in 
 about four years after the planting and successful cul- 
 ture of the mulberry tree, without any difficulty or 
 mystery, I shall endeavor to show in the next book: — - 
 I shall also delineate in that work a general view of the 
 manufacture, and endeavour to point out the various 
 errors of the different theories that have been brought 
 before the public on this subject. 
 
 In November, 1819, I was induced by several of my 
 acquaintances to visit Washington city, and present a 
 memorial to Congress, explaining my views upon the 
 subject. My. Meigs, commissioner of the Land Office 
 in Washington city, appreciated my views, and proposed 
 to me to have the memorial presented by the Hon., his 
 son, a representative in Congress from New York. 
 But the petition was not listened to, and I retired. 
 By the request of my friends I visited Washington 
 again the following session of Congress. This time 1 
 matured another plan, which would have subjected the 
 government to no expense whatever. As the second 
 plan vas well matured and preparatory to the first, I 
 
Preface. ix 
 
 was certain of full success. The President and Secrs- 
 tary of State approved it, but the Senate did not act 
 upon it. I retired entirely, and directed my route to 
 Baltimore ; where I remained a few months, and pre- 
 sented a memorial to the Legislature of Maryland, for 
 the improvement of agriculture in that state. But the 
 circumstances of the state did not permit them to take 
 any steps on the subject. I was requested, however by a 
 member of the Legislature, to return the next session, 
 at which time the house would be at leisure to consider 
 and accept my proposal. I then continued my route to 
 Virginia, in pursuance of my private business. While 
 there in 1826, I read, in a number of the Norfolk Bea- 
 con, a resolution of Congress, authorising the Secretary 
 of the Treasury to collect the necessary information for 
 the introduction of silk into the United States. I call- 
 ed at the house of a gentleman, a representative in 
 Congress, and signlfieu iu him my claim? t^ familinvifc^y 
 with the subject, and explained minutely the answers to 
 the 18 queries, inserted in the resolution of Congress, in 
 the best manner that government could desire. But I 
 observed to him at the same time, that a hundred or 
 more queries in addition to those pi'oposed,even if well 
 explained, would be of no benefit in the introduction of 
 silk into the Union. And further, that no books, pam- 
 phlets, or communications, on the subject, could be of 
 any use in attaining that desirable object, unless those 
 who projected a scheme for the raising of silk could be 
 instructed, in every particular necessary to be known, 
 and that by a practical person from Europe, well ac- 
 quainted with every branch of agriculture; and especi- 
 ally the cultivation of the mulberry tree; as also much 
 collateral knowledge respecting the silk, &c. &c. from 
 the first operation to the last. 1 likewise observed, that 
 even practical European men would be unsuccessful in 
 the cultivation of the silk or vine, in this country, if 
 they did not take into consideration the situation of the 
 country, and act accordingly, and many other combina- 
 tions necessary to be obtained in order to insure full 
 success in the undertakmg. 
 
X Preface, 
 
 The gentleman alluded to, requested me to write to 
 Mr. Rush, Secretary of the Treasury, a communication 
 upon the subject; promising to accompany it with a let- 
 ter from himself, inclosing mine, containing my opinion 
 that, all the information which could be obtained from 
 all parts of the globe, upon the raising of silk in the 
 Union, would be of but very little assistance in the prac- 
 tical process in this country. But I suggested, at the 
 same time, the most practicable plan which could be 
 adopted with ease and success. The letter was dated 
 the 16th October, 1826, and directed to the Treasury 
 office, Washington city. Much other information pre- 
 liminary to the culture of silk, was inclosed in the letter. 
 ^Several months from that time I went to Delaware, in 
 pursuance of some affairs of my own, and was induced 
 to remain there until the Legislature commenced. In 
 the meantime I had the perseverance and patience to 
 pass iiiy time, for rxiYie or ten months, ih attendance up- 
 on a very small business, until at length the Legisla- 
 ture met; when I discovered the impossibility of making 
 any attempt to commence it in this state, or to induce 
 other States or the Union, to follow the example if they 
 should set it. 
 
 But the act afterwads passed, though without any 
 provision whatever for the payment of expenses which 
 became absolutely necessary. However I carried my 
 object so far as to commence operations. As my ulti- 
 mate view was the maintenance of an establishment, I 
 chose a spot near Wilmington, and advertised the time 
 of opening the book for subscription, according to a re- 
 solution of the trustees of that county. But from the 
 non attendance of the Trustees or commissioners at the 
 day appointed, it was neglected, and I resolved to give 
 public notice, that the opening of the books would be 
 postponed until new notice should be given: and there 
 the affair remains to this dayo So much for the negli- 
 gence of the Commissioners appointed by the Legisla- 
 ture of Delaware They accepted this appointment 
 only from the paltry ambition of having their names 
 appear in the newspapers, to be noticed by the public as 
 
Preface. xi 
 
 men chosen in that capacity. To hav« acted honorably, 
 would have been to retire from office, if they had any 
 objection against serving, either from any slanders 
 against me personally? or from any opinion hostile to 
 my project, to have resigned their appointment, would 
 have been acting with spirit and openness. It would 
 have given me an opportunity to have other commis- 
 sioners appointed, perhaps more active and dilligent in 
 their engagements, and thus lay the first foundation of 
 my success; and also enable me to remain in the state 
 until I should at least have formed the head of an im- 
 provement of great importance to the state and to the 
 whole Union. 
 
 What nature would not have resented the ungenerous 
 treatment I endured, from the day of my arrival at Do- 
 ver, to my departure. I was compelled to defray, from 
 my own means, all the expenses incurred in printing 
 and distributing copies, and also in travelling over the 
 greater part of the state to procure and make a location 
 to commence the work. 
 
 These pages are not written from an interested mo- 
 tive, nor to blind the public by false reasoning, or per- 
 suade them, by deceitful calculations, of extraordinary 
 
 pofit in silk manufacturing reeling, twisting, and 
 
 throusting — by manufacturing, in the mind of the na- 
 tion, treasure upon treasure: thus inducing them to ad- 
 venture their capital — 
 
 '-''Like little wanton boys, that swim on bladders y 
 Further explanation on this subject I shall reserve for 
 the next book. 
 
 But I wish to convey a correct idea of the cause of 
 the failure or retarding of a manufacture of such vast 
 importance, after so many attempts made with sincerity 
 and correctness, to forward the nation in so profitable 
 an establishment. The attempt on my part originated 
 in philanthropy; not in speculation. I am now resolved 
 to desist entirely from the efforts which I once intended 
 to make for the introduction of silk and wine into this 
 vast Territory of North America, founded on such 
 practical instruction, as would enable the inhabitants 
 
xii Preface, 
 
 to carry it on with such regularity and precision , as 
 to make it an hereditary blessing so long as the world 
 should exist. My sincerity has undone me. — Losses of 
 time, trouble and expense have been so great, that I 
 have, in the first place, been obliged to abandon my 
 private pursuits, which I consider more valuable than 
 any: Secondly, 1 have spent my means m travelling 
 ten years for this great end. And now I find the coun- 
 try inundated with speculators and slanderers, by whose 
 artifices the patriotic intentions of good and enterpri- 
 sing individuals have been frustrated. 
 
 But before I raise the last step of my first proposal to 
 the people of the Union, I will mark, behind me, as I 
 leave the path, the principal cause of the failure to in- 
 troduce, into this country, the culture of silk and wine. 
 I will raise the veil that masks ignorance and blame 
 worthy presumption, and leave to them that repentance 
 and confusion which their temerity and sophistry de- 
 serve. I would again repeat that it is not my intention 
 to endeavor to mislead the public mind. My work 
 shall not add another to the list of imposing treatises 
 which have been the means of producing, to the enterpri- 
 sing men who have read them, confusion in their endea- 
 vors and mortification in their results. I should have 
 committed an unpardonable error, had I pretended to 
 instruct the nation in the production of these valua- 
 ble articles, by means of pamphlets and communica- 
 tions, or to induce them to adventure into this new field, 
 with no guide but their own experiments, and the mere 
 information of books, without any practical experience 
 in any branch requisite to the art, either in the procee- 
 ding in Europe, or the operative work in this country. 
 I should consider myself not less culpable, than if 1 
 should, by writing a false theory, induce a man to follow 
 blindly the course to the arctic pole, when I knew that 
 he intended to seek the antarctic point. 
 
 My readers are aware, by this time, that I consider 
 theories only, without practical and well founded expe- 
 rience, as calculated to create confusion and disappoint- 
 ment to the adventurer, and force him to abandon the 
 
Preface, xiii 
 
 pursuit, after many trials — season after season — in 
 which both time and money are wasted. It would per- 
 haps have been better than the present state of things, 
 if the nation had never read a book upon the subject, 
 but had made experiments by their own judgement, as 
 they might then be convinced of the necessity of prac- 
 tical instruction, instead of making trial after trial, with 
 only the dim light which books and communications 
 afford. For however complete a book may be, (and 
 none complete have yet been presented in this country 
 on the subject.) there are numerous important branches 
 of practice which they cannot teach, or even suggest. 
 Let a judicious and well qualified person, who has been 
 familiar with every part of the business in Europe, and 
 who knows the nature of American soil, climate, and 
 situation, b} many years of actual residence, lay for 
 them a practical and permanent foundation, and they 
 can follow the pursuit with benefit and success. In 
 Lombardy books are not considered at all necessary by 
 the farmers. They can read no volume but the prayer 
 book, and sometimes even that is committed to memory 
 from verbal communication: and yet they find no diffi- 
 culty in raising silk worms, in which they make, gene- 
 rally a very ab jndant crop of cocoons, &.c. They 
 keep their plantations in perfect order; and though there 
 is a factor in those plantations, to suggest occasional 
 directions, yet in general they act according to their 
 own experience in the business, upon which the manu- 
 facture of silk has been established in that country for 
 many centuries. Their knowledge is permanent: and 
 although, within a few years, the employment of large 
 capitals has led to some additional improvement in the 
 building and machinery necessary for carrying on the 
 manufacture, yet these improvements are founded en- 
 tirely upon the old method in every important point. 
 And a person must learn the old method by practical 
 instruction, which is easy, but still requries regularity, 
 and good management in every branch, or the adventu- 
 rer will be liable to disappointment, after he has made 
 preparation for the new method, and embarked his cap- 
 
 2 
 
xiv Preface, 
 
 ital in the enterprise. A lawyer must have a knowledge 
 of the old laws and the old constitution, or he will have 
 some difficult}^ in actinc^ under the new. A musician 
 must have the foundation of the old system of music in 
 order to comprehend and practice upon the new. 
 
 European countries owe their vast improvements in 
 various arts to the legitimate instruction of individuals 
 who are largely remunerated by the government, and 
 protected from the machinations of impostors and spec- 
 ulators. By that means the government and the nation 
 obtain the benefit of talents proved to be superior by 
 the practical effect of their suggestions. They are not 
 liable to be imposed on by theories; for however great 
 the benfit of the improvement proposed may appear, the 
 proposer receives nothing until the work terminates as 
 he foretold. For example, the improved method of 
 irrigating the field might be mentioned, as the best and 
 most profitable that a government ever encouraged. 
 As this is foreign to the subject before us, I ought not 
 perhaps to enlarge on it. However, considering it con- 
 connected with agriculture, mannfactures, and the arts, 
 it may be proper to say a few words concerning it. 
 The blessed element there distributed, not only secures 
 to the population the crops of every description of plants 
 and trees, but also assists them with its power. It pas- 
 ses into the city, and under the houses, sometimes visi- 
 ble and sometimes invisible; assisting, in its progress, 
 every manufacture, whether grist mill, saw mill, or 
 spinning mill, it reaches the great and magnificent silk 
 establishment, then branches out into the suburbs in all 
 directions. After traversing these branches this inva- 
 luable element may be traced into the country, where 
 it continues, by its power, to assist the various establish- 
 ments erected in all parts of the country . The same 
 branches are finally seen in every direction to irrigate 
 the soil of every farmer who stands in need of its aid. 
 In fact this great and beneficial work surpasses every 
 thing that human ingenuity can invent. For its dura- 
 bility, and the treasure it opens to the population and 
 the government^ it may be compared to a mine of gold 
 
Preface, xv 
 
 and silver, running through the country, without inter- 
 ruption during the year. 
 
 A man invented and executed the plan, but the gov- 
 ernment paid the expenses, and also a large sum to re- 
 ward the mventor. This water is divided into hours, 
 (as the gas in some of your large cities,) and the farmer 
 who buys it, enters it upon the public record ; and the 
 number of hours he contracts for, becomes as the real 
 estate itself — as a part of the land, and subject to a tax. 
 This tax is very moderate. The government makes 
 all the repairs necessary, in bridges, canals, ditches, 
 &c. Already have they received the expenses incurred 
 in the construction of this great improvement; and the 
 nation will continue to receive incalculable benefit from 
 so noble an invention — and that for ever: and the far- 
 mer and manufacturer will be continually improving. 
 
 But, to return to our subject, I will oft'er a i^QW obser- 
 vations on the books and pamphlets on this subject. I 
 have seen the letter of Mr. Rush, printed by order of 
 Congress, containing much instruction upon different 
 branches, either for the cultivation or manufacturing of 
 Silk; and it is decidedly the best book that has been 
 printed. But still it could only be useful in some in- 
 stances to practical men. 
 
 The first suggestion would naturally be, to inquire 
 into the cause of the nunierous failures and disappoint- 
 ments attending the enterprising agriculturist upon this 
 important subject. The answer is obvious, and simply 
 this: — That the cultuie of silk has become a subject of 
 mere speculation for the ignorant — the very persons to 
 whom the agriculturist looks for instruction, and from 
 whose speculative theories, he deduces his experiments: 
 Hence his unsuccessful efforts. 
 
 The book written by Mr. Peter Stephen Duponceau 
 of Philadelphia, and Mr. John D'Homergue, both 
 Frenchmen, entitled "Essay of American Silk, and the 
 best means of rendering it a source of individual, and 
 national wealth; with directions to farmers for raising 
 Silk Worms," has I discover, my name in the first page 
 of the preface, which induces me to look over the book 
 
xvi Preface, 
 
 with some degree of interest, in order to discover if it 
 contained any miportant instruction for the introduction 
 of this great improvement into the Union — so desirable 
 since 200 years have already passed since the attempt 
 was first made. Let us examine: — First. Mr D'Ho- 
 mergue, p. xiii, of the preface, says he "is a young 
 Frenchman, the son of an eminent silk manufacturer, at 
 Neims, in Languedoc. Although he has since chosen 
 another profession, he was originally brought up to his 
 father's business, and has been innitiated in all its mys- 
 teries. It will be easy to perceive, by reading his es- 
 says, that he unites to experience in his art, a strong and 
 solid judgement with a clear view of the interest of this 
 country, and of the best means of pursuing it." Well 
 done! well done 11 Again. "M. D'Homergue came to 
 this city from France, in the month of May, 1829, at 
 the instance of an association, named the Silk Society 
 of Philadelphia," who had authorised a gentleman go- 
 ing to France, to procure a person well acquainted with 
 the raising of silk worms, and spinning cocoons, to in- 
 struct the inhabitants of that city in the art. When 
 Mr. D'Homergue arrived in Philadelphia, his preten- 
 sions were no less than twenty thousand dollars in hand 
 and two thousand five hundred annually, for his salary. 
 The silk society declined of course, such a demand, and 
 the question has been brought before a court of justice by 
 Mr. Duponceau, his advocate. The Society offered 
 him one dollar per day, by the year, although sufllicient 
 quantity of cocoons could not be procured in Philadel- 
 phia, to require one month's work, and even those of a 
 very inferior and imperfect kind, as may be seen by the 
 report of the society. That was the first foundation laid 
 by Mr. D'Homergue on his arrival in Philadelphia 
 from France. 
 
 As the mulberry tree is the first article to be attended 
 to in the raising of silk, I shall first examine the Theory 
 of Mr. D'H. on that subject. In 88th page, 20 lines 
 from top, he says, "I have said nothing on the planting 
 and cultivation of the mulberry tree; in the first place, 
 it would have swelled this work too much; and because 
 
Preface, xvii 
 
 I do not think that information on this subject is so 
 much or so immediately needed, as on the other branch 
 of this important object of culture. Mulberry trees ap- 
 pear to be raised without much difficulty in every part 
 of the country; and it appears to me that the mode of 
 its cultivation is pretty generally understood." Indeed 
 the planting and cultivation of this tree m the proper 
 mode, and the choice of the ground &c. is not under- 
 stood. True we have abundance of mulberry trees in 
 the wild woods, and some transplanted in the settle- 
 ments, but this mulberry is not fit for the permanent 
 nurture of silk worms. We might use it to feed a few 
 thousand worms^ the first year, but the next year we 
 would be disoppointed. Or we might substitute it for 
 food in cases of extreme necessity, but will discover a 
 great deficiency in the quality of the cocoons in the 
 crop. The mulberry trees in gardens or in the public 
 walks of Philadelphia, have been planted, I suppose, for 
 shade, and not to feed silk worms, which might be the 
 cause to create an epidemic in the city. 
 
 1 visited many parts of the country last year and I 
 have never yet met with a mulberry tree that could be 
 employed for the food of silk worms. The prospect of 
 commencing the foundation of this great improvement 
 is almost passed away. The government has spent 
 considerable money already in passing laws and resolu- 
 tions, in procuring information, in printing books, and 
 in condescending to reprint pamphlets; and the effect of 
 it has been to cause the adventurer to abandon the expe- 
 riments in disgust, without any success. See my com- 
 munication, signed Agricola, in page 19. 
 
 As Mr. D'H. has had his silk manufacture establish- 
 ed two or three years, 1 hope he will realize immense 
 profits from it; especially as he has the advantge of the 
 fine collection of books in their possession on the 
 subject of silk manufacturing, as appears in their pam- 
 phlet above mentioned. But any manufacture, without 
 material to manufacture, will be as good as a candlestick 
 without candles in a dark apartment. Mr. D'H. at- 
 tempted three seessions, by petitions to Congres, to draw 
 
 2# 
 
xviii Preface, 
 
 forty thousand dollars from the public treasury, for 
 teaching 60 young men to spin cocoons; although there 
 was no prospect of such a quantity or quality as to jus- 
 tify any adventurer in the manufacture of that article. 
 Congress might in this way throw away the whole trea- 
 sury of the United Slates, and }et the naiion be disap- 
 pointed in the results of this splendid and valuable 
 improvement. (See Mr. Smith''s communiGation page 
 30.) 
 
 If this manufacture was once permanently introduced 
 into this country, it will be carried on to a greater ex- 
 tent than is desirable: as it would require too great a 
 number of workmen in spinning cocoons, in clerks, su- 
 perintendants, manufacturers, filatures, &lc. &c. To a 
 capitalist who wishes to embark in such a beneficial 
 undertaking, and will have every thing in readiness, I 
 will insure in one season, when the material could be 
 had permanently, to procure more workmasters in every 
 branch of silk in this country, than could possibly be 
 employed. Several gentlemen engaged in silk in Italy 
 were very desirous of commencing a filature in this 
 country, if the permanent foundation could be estab- 
 lished — but not in the imaginary argument printed in 
 books and pamphlets. 
 
 The object of this pamphlet is to bring before the 
 public some of the circumstances attending the author's 
 efforts to introduce the culture of silk in the U. States,- 
 hereafter a book containing a more detailed account, 
 wiih much of v/hat has occurred since the commence- 
 ment of his hibours in the cause, to the present time, 
 and much other general and useful matter will be offer- W 
 ed to the public. ^' 
 
OOlIMUI^ICATIOrrS &0. 
 
 NO. I. 
 
 A communication written by E. Maury, and published 
 the 24th of August, 1828, in the Delaware Advertiser 
 printed in Wilmington, Del, over the signature of 
 Agricola. 
 
 SILK WORMS. 
 
 Mr. Editor — It certainly constitutes a source of 
 lively interest to every true patriot and philanthropist, 
 when we reflect upon the prosperous condition of this 
 highly favoured country, enjoying as it does numerous 
 advantages and various blessings, among which is inde- 
 pendence. We also possess an immense territory, and 
 our population is rapidly increasing. With the spread 
 of knowledge in the various arts and sciences we find 
 it necessary to pay attention to agricultural improve- 
 ment. 
 
 The Silk worm and manufacture of silk, would no 
 doubt be one of the most sublime improvements in this 
 vast and well adapted country, and would be a lasting 
 benefit to every citizen whatever may be his age or con- 
 dition — to the emigrant, rich or poor — and finally, 
 would be an inexhau stable source of wealth to our Go- 
 vernment. 
 
 But we should not commence this great work without 
 mature deliberation, or we shall never attain to any 
 thing of consequence. We may induce many to turn 
 their attention to the growing of mulberry trees and the 
 raising of silk worms, by oftering premiums, or trying 
 every imaginary experiment by the aid of books writ- 
 ten by eminent authors either in Europe, or this coun- 
 
20 Communications, 
 
 try; but the disappointment will appear in the practical 
 way. That proceeding will be entirely vain to obtain 
 the desirable object of a mercantile silk. A prepara- 
 tion for the cultivation of that article cannot be made in 
 less than four years — when we shall be ready to com- 
 mence. During the four years which it will be neces- 
 sary to allow the mulberry to come to perfection, the 
 ground so occupied may be tilled in the ordinary way, 
 and produce annual crops of corn, tobacco, cotton, &.c. 
 but less time than this will not answer to insure perma- 
 nent success. 
 
 My experience in the science of agriculture, has been 
 derived from a devotion of many years of my life to its 
 pursuit in Europe, where I obtained the best practical 
 information — especially that branch adapted to the rais- 
 ing of silk worms I had not only a large establish- 
 ment of my own, but superintended those of several 
 other persons with success — and have also acquired a 
 practical knowledge of manufacturing silk. In 1820 
 I memorialized the honourable Congress upon this sub- 
 ject, b:it a press of other business prevented a timely 
 attention to it. If a simple description, or treatise on 
 the silk worm, would in any way bencht the country, I 
 should, before this time, have taken up the subject; but 
 this has already been done in Europe, by several emi- 
 nent writers. 
 
 1 have understood that the Legiskture of Delaware 
 have passed an act for the encouragementof the growth 
 of silk worms and the manufacture of silk; and that 
 some enterprising citizens of this Slate desire to turn 
 their attention to the subject: this has induced me to 
 submit my views to the public. 
 
 The proper mode tor carrying this object into effect, 
 would be to form an agriculture m practice, on an eligi- 
 ble sipot in this State. Or 1 would suggest some prac- 
 tical plan which would meet with general approbation. 
 1 could attend in many other States in the Union at the 
 same time, which would be more likely to promote the 
 success of the undertaking. ' . 
 
 Agricola. 
 
Communications* 21 
 
 NO. II. 
 
 A communication written by E.Mauri/, and published in 
 the Delaware Advertiser, of September 25 1828. 
 
 SILK WORMS. 
 
 I answer the commupicalion signed "Colonus," in the 
 Delaware advertiser, dated the 4th September, request- 
 ing general information on the subject of introducing 
 into the United States the culture of silk, and a new 
 system of Agricultre in order to obtain the benefits of 
 the soil for an article so desirable. 
 
 This is an object deeply interesting to every Ameri- 
 can, and one which ought to arrouse the attention and 
 excite the emulation of every public spirited citizen 
 throughout the Union. In my opinion, the multifarious 
 works which have been written upon this subject, alone 
 detailing theoretical knowledge, often contradictory in 
 their systems, tend to confuse and distract the mind of 
 the cultivator, and nothing will ever contribute copy^ct 
 information upon the subject but practical experiments!. 
 
 From what has already been accomplishtd the entire 
 practicability of introducing or rearing silk worms in 
 this country can no longer be questioned, but as it is 
 now conducted , it can never become an object of much 
 importance either to the individual concerned, or to the 
 nation at large. 
 
 We readily admit that the whole process, from the 
 planting of the mulberry to the formation of the cocoon, 
 of the quality now generally produced in this country, 
 is extremely simple. To produce cocoons of this de- 
 scription requires no elaborate treatise of the naturalist, 
 nor laboured reports of Agricultural societies — no prac- 
 tical lectures from experienced manufacturers, nor in- 
 formation from any European country. And I am 
 willing to admit that from cocoons of this cast, sewing 
 silk may be obtained, equally as strong as any imported 
 from Europe ; nay, further, that with sufficient time and 
 expense, silk cloth, on a small scale, and of an inferior 
 
22 Communications, 
 
 quality, may be manufactured — yet such a result will 
 fall infinitely beneath the calculation of in(!ividual ad- 
 venturers, and be utterly unworthy the parroaage of 
 the National Legislature. I will refer t.) my first 
 publication in the Advertiser, dated 24th April last. 
 
 To insure success in this great public interest, much 
 previous preparation will be necessary. — I'hat the su- 
 perstructure may be ample, magnificent and beautiful, 
 the foundation must be broad deep and stable: In other 
 words, much practical knowledge, derived t>om experi- 
 enced agriculturists, both American and European, but 
 especially from the latter, will be indispensibly neces- 
 sary to insure tiie wished for result. Without this, ev- 
 ery attempt, however extensive the establishment, and 
 however promismg appearances may be in the com- 
 mencement, will ultimately be blasted with complete 
 disappointment. 
 
 I have paid strict attention, for several years past, to 
 agricultural proceedings in the United States, with a 
 view of introducing the culture of Silk and the Grape: 
 but unless the business be conducted on correct princi- 
 ples, taking into view the climate and situation of the 
 country, and commenced on an extensive scale, capital- 
 ists can feel no sufficient inducement to invest their 
 funds. 
 
 Should several State Legislatures make the culture 
 of Silk a State concern, and in addition to this, should 
 the Corigress of the United States patronize it as a great 
 national object, and incorporate many distinct companies 
 of capitalists — one for growing the mulbery , raising the 
 silk worm, and preparing the cocoon — another for reel- 
 ing and spinning the silk — a third, fourth, fit\h, for ma- 
 nufacturing the different kinds of silk cloth— and should 
 these establishments be duly fostered and encouraged 
 by the State Legislature and by the General Govern- 
 ment, the undertaking would be crowned v/ith the desi- 
 red success. 
 
 But suppose that after a trial of several years in ex- 
 periments and observation, a iq\w adventurers should 
 succeed in producing something better than this cocoon. 
 
Communications, 23 
 
 and thus create a sufficient inducement for others to 
 commence the business on an extensive scale? Should 
 any be induced by such slender encouragements to enter 
 upon such a romantic speculation, they \v#idd be con- 
 strained, afler much labor and expense, to renounce the 
 pursuit, sit down in despondency, and eat the bitter 
 bread of disappointment. 
 
 Remarks similar to those now made upon the manu- 
 facture of silk, might be made upon the culture of the 
 vine in this country. In each of these pursuits, unless 
 we commence on correct principles, according to cli- 
 mate, soil, situation, &c. we shall always be, sicut era- 
 mus in principio — so that after all the little experiments 
 made by American, French, Swiss and German vine 
 dressers, if we wish for a glass of good wine, v*e must 
 still look to the East. We may make wine and say it 
 is as good as Bordeaux, but still, so long as we pursue 
 our present mode, all our good Avine must come from 
 abroad. And if we seek for elegant silk dresses, we 
 must still have recourse to the beautiful fabrics of Eu- 
 ropean loomSo 
 
 Agricola in Delaware. 
 
 As I have seen the signature "Agricola" frequently 
 used by various writers — political, as well as agricul- 
 tural — and as I do not grow presidential articles in my 
 irarden, nor cultivate cockle in my v.dieat,I shall choose 
 to adopt the above signature for my articles upon the 
 cultivation of silk. 
 
 NO. Ill 
 
 A communication published in the Wilmington, Del. 
 Gazette and Watchman. 
 
 MULBERRY TREES AND SILK WORMS. 
 
 Mr. Editor. — Permit me to add a few remarks to 
 those which appeared in your paper of the 10th instant, 
 on the subject of tho mulberrry tree and silk worms; 
 
24 Communications. 
 
 the first step in which is the preparation of the soil, and 
 then the planting and proper cultivation of the trees. 
 
 As the Legislature of this state has passed a resolu- 
 tion to encourage the undertaking by the promise of a 
 medallion and certain benefits to those who may suc- 
 ceed in cultivating the mulberry tree, the planting and 
 raising them in perfection is so much our interest, that 
 it is presumed every one will desire to make the neces- 
 sary preparation, in order that the soil may be made 
 congenial to the tree, so that leaves may be procured 
 from it which will afford the proper kind of food for the 
 silk worms. When we plant apple, or any other fruit 
 trees, it is with the view to obtain fruit from them; but 
 the planting of mulberry trees should be attended to 
 with the view of obtaining the leaves for the nourish- 
 ment of the silk worms; and attention should be paid to 
 having them in that state of perfection which would 
 cause them to produce the article in such quantities, and 
 of such a quality as to be of the greatest possible use: 
 for in proportion to the quantity and quality of the 
 leaves which they furnish, must, in a great measure, 
 be the products of the silk worms which are fed upon 
 them« 
 
 It is well known in regard to cattle, that in propor- 
 tion to the degree of attention which is paid to them, 
 and the quality of the food with which they are sup- 
 plied, will be the quality of the milk, butter or cheese 
 which is obtained from them ; and if the closest atten- 
 tion should be paid to them in other respects, and the 
 quality of the food should be indifferent, it would be 
 folly to expect from them those articles in that perfection 
 in which they are furnished when that consideration is 
 properly attended to. 
 
 The cultivation and trimming of the trees, after they 
 are properly planted, will require to be attended to by 
 persons well acquainted with that branch of the busi- 
 ness; and no others can be expected to perform it pro- 
 perly. A man may understand the pruning of apple^ 
 peach, or other fruit trees; but may be a very unsuitable 
 hand to perform the operation upon the mulberry tree. 
 
Letters, 25 
 
 The difference in the process in the case of the two 
 kinds is very great. The trimming of apple, peach or 
 grape branches is done with the viev/ to the fruit, while 
 those of the mulberry is done with the view of procur- 
 ing the leaves; and that which will produce a very good 
 effect in the one case, will have an opposite one in the 
 other. 
 
 I shall procure suitable hands to attend to that branch 
 of the business, to keep the trees in proper order to sup- 
 ply the leaves in the proper degree of perfection; and 
 those who desire it, may, by observing their perform- 
 ances, become acquainted with the business themselves. 
 
 For some particulars, I desire to refer to certain pas- 
 sages in the article which appeared in your excellent 
 paper of the lOlh instant. 
 
 I shall hereafter offer a few observations in relation 
 to the eggs of the worms, which is the next considera- 
 tion in the progress of the business, after the prepara- 
 tion of the soil and the cultivation of the trees have 
 been properly attended to. The quality of the eggs is 
 an important matter in the process of raising the worms; 
 and close attention should be paid to this valuable in- 
 sect by an experienced hand, from the incipient stages 
 of the business to the formation of the cocoons. 
 
 E. MAURY, 
 
 NO. IV. 
 
 Washington City, March 8th, 1822. 
 
 The Presiaentqf the United States: — 
 
 Dear Sir — i have waited on you twice in company 
 with Mr. E. MujsVjtohave the pleasure of introducing 
 him to you in person. Your engagements prevented my 
 seeing you. I have for several years been personally 
 acquainted with Mr. Maury, and believe him to be a 
 gentleman of good character, well informed, and deser- 
 ving; of confidence. He has become a citizen of the 
 3 
 
26 Letters, 
 
 United States, travelled over the greater part of Ameri- 
 ca, and resided some time in Missouri. He is well ac- 
 qainted with agricultural pursuit?, and had the advan- 
 tage of experience in mercantile affairs. He will make 
 known to you his wishes, to which if you can accord, 
 you will oblige him. 
 
 Your respectful ob't servant, 
 
 JOHN SCOTT. 
 
 Having been personally acquainted with Mr. Evaris- 
 tus Maury, I entirely coincide in the opinion of the 
 Hon. John Scott, expressed in the above page. 
 L. WM. DU-BOURG, 
 
 Bishop of New Oi leans. 
 Baltimore, March 31, 1823. 
 
 NO. V. 
 
 Charleston, 10 August, 1821. 
 
 Sir: — This will be handed you by Mr. Evariste Mau- 
 ry, an Italian gentleman , many years a resident mer- 
 chant in this city, and a citizen of the United States, in 
 which capacity during his residence here, his general 
 conduct was that of an honest, upright merchant, and 
 good citizen, and warm friend to his adopted country, 
 the United States of America. He visits Florida with 
 a view to his future prospects in business, in that Terri- 
 tory, &c. Permit me the liberty to recommend this 
 gentleman to your countenance, attention, and friend- 
 ship. 
 
 I have the honor to be, with great respect, 
 your most ob't servant, 
 DAN'L STEVENS, 
 Late Intendant of Charleston. 
 His Excellency, 
 
 Gen. Andrew Jackson, 
 Pensacola, Florida. 
 
Letters. 
 
 NO. VI. 
 
 St. Augustine, December 1st, 1821. 
 Sir: — As it is your wish to improve the systems of ' 
 Agriculture in the United States of America, and par- 
 ticularly as it regards the importation and culture of 
 vines and silk — should you go to Europe, or write to 
 induce Europeans or others, acquainted with the culture 
 of grapes and silk, and the making of wines, to emigrate 
 to Florida, it will afford me great satisfaction to give 
 you, or any one under your auspices or recommendation 
 every facility in my power. And on our establishment 
 of societies for Agriculture, &c. here, I shall with great 
 pleasure present your name and pretensions for a dis- 
 tinguished place, if not at the head of such associations. 
 Yours, with all due respect, &c. 
 W. G. D. WORTHINGTON, 
 Secretary and acting Governor 
 
 for East Florida. 
 EvARisTE Maury, Esqr. 
 
 NO. VII. 
 
 A communication taken from the American Farmer, 
 
 Baltimore, October 2d, 1829. 
 Oi^We have before made known the object of the 
 Silk society in Philadelphia, whose exertions to give 
 practical aid and encouragement to the cultivators of 
 silk, entitle them to the thanks of the country. Were 
 it not for disinterested associations like theirs, the most 
 valuable discoveries and pursuits would often fail for 
 
 \i want of individual skill and capital^ to conduct them. 
 
 [^vFor the formation of societies and the establishment of 
 institutions really useful, Philadelphia has ever since 
 maintained the decided lead which she took, at least as 
 far back as the days of Franklin. 
 
Communications . 
 
 The society of Philadelphia, for promoting the cul- 
 ture of the white mulberry and the rearing of silk worms, 
 having engaged a person perfectly acquainted with the 
 art of reeling of silk from cocoons, and that of making 
 sewing silk, are ready to purchase cocoons, for which 
 the highest possible price will be given, according to 
 quality. Those who are desirous of learning these arts, 
 will be taught them for a moderate compensation, $\2. 
 (A vast difference between this and ^40,000 for teach- 
 ing 60 young men, as modestly asked by a gentleman in 
 Philadelphia,) This measure is necessary, inasmuch 
 as the members constituting the society are few in num- 
 ber, and its funds small. Persons wishing to join it, 
 are invited to leave their names with Mr. Isaac Macau- 
 ley, No. 24, South Third street. Cocoons will be pur- 
 chased at the same place. The society was instituted 
 with the view of keeping alive the spirit for the culture 
 of silk, which may become one of the greatest staples of 
 the United States, and of introducing a new branch of 
 industry among the farmers. 
 
 NO. VIII. 
 
 A communication published in the Delaware Watchman 
 on the M of March, 1829. 
 Mr. Editor. — It must certainly constitute a source 
 of general satisfaction to our citizens, that the state of 
 Delaware will be the first to commence properly the 
 highly desirable improvement of the manufacture of 
 silk. I shall not be reserved in my efforts to render the 
 establishment useful, permanent and profitable. It will 
 not perhaps be unacceptable to say a few words upon 
 the subject of the management of the eggs of the silk 
 worms, to render the undertaking valuable; as of great 
 importance in the progress of the work, in addition to 
 the remarks contained in my communi*";itions which ap- 
 peared in your excellent paper of the lOlh and i7th in- 
 stant, concerning the planting and trimming of the 
 
Comfminications. 29 
 
 mulberry tree, with the necessary process to insure a 
 permanent and suitable food for the worms, in proper 
 quantities, from the leaves of this valuable tree, and not 
 to commence any preparation for planting in a perma- 
 nent spot, until the undertakers should procure a know- 
 ledge of the fundamental principles to be attended to, 
 from an experienced agriculturisl, and being proceeded 
 in with regularity and system. Thereby the propaga- 
 tion of the pernicious insect called the caterpillar will 
 be prevented, which are frequently deposited under the 
 roots of the tree, and afterwards ascend and devour the 
 leaves m the summer; which is one of the causes to 
 which the failure of success is to be attributed. This 
 is an irreparable evil; and sometimes the trees are dried 
 up the ensuing season. A similar circumstance I have 
 known to occur in Washington square in Philadelphia, 
 where the caterpillars climbed in such quantites up and 
 down the trees, and surmounted every obstacle in their 
 course, so as to make their passage indisputable, until 
 they have devoured the whole of the leaves of this val- 
 uable tree. 
 
 With regard to the eggs, I would recommend , first, 
 to choose the cocoons from a crop in which the worms 
 have not been affected with such sickness as to affect the 
 next propagation, and that the eggs should be provided 
 in the Spring only. This advice will be found to accord 
 with the views expressed by Mr. Secretary Rush, in his 
 manual on the subject, printed by the order of Congress, 
 page 10J, where it is said, collect the eggs which have 
 fallen on the cloth covering the shelves of the tressel, 
 and put them in a box in layers not more than half the 
 breadth of the finger. The cloths raised from the tres- 
 sel, when quite dry, are to be folded and placed in a dry 
 room, the temperature of which does not exceed 65, and 
 is not below the freezing point, and leave the cloth there 
 until Spring. During the Summer the cloth must be 
 examined to remove insects. To preserve the cloths 
 always in fresh air, place them on a frame of cords 
 which should be attached to the ceiling, and inspect 
 them every month. 
 
30 Communications, 
 
 There exists a notion that every two or three years 
 the eggs should be changed. This change is only ne- 
 cessary when the worms have sustained sickness; other- 
 wise the eggs of your crop will be as good as those of 
 your neighbor can be. Then you will obtain the eggs 
 only in the Spring, and dispose of them only at that 
 time. All these considerations should be attended to 
 with precision and regularity to obtain success in the 
 undertaking. 
 
 The price of the eggs, when the matter is attended to 
 by a practical and intelligent person, should be about 
 from four to five dollars per ounce in this country, which 
 would be a good price, an ounce containing from 34 to 
 40 thousand eggs. The eggs, about the quality of which 
 there may be any uncertainty, can command no price, 
 for they are only calculated for amusement. But when 
 the business comes to be put into proper operation, the 
 price will be in proportion to the quantity in the market 
 and the extent of the demand, which are matters which 
 must regulate themselves, 
 
 1 shall hereafter continue to present my remarks ac- 
 cording as the affairs of the Delaware Silk Company 
 shall progress; and I shall be happy to afford informa- 
 tion to any who may desire it, upon any subject con- 
 nected with the business, as remaked in my last. 
 
 E. MAURY. 
 
 NO. IX. 
 
 A communication written by G. B. Smith, and published 
 
 in the Globe. 
 
 THE SILK BILL. 
 
 Baltimore, March 15, 1832. 
 Sir: — The bill now before Congress for the promo- 
 tion of the culture of silk, has been allowed to progress 
 thus far with scarcely a passing notice. This is the 
 third session that it has been before Congress. Du- 
 ring the session of '29 — '30, when it was first reported. 
 
Communications. 3 1 
 
 I took occasion to review its provisions with freedom, 
 through the Baltimore Gazette ; and I believe I am the 
 only one in the Union who has openly opposed its pas- 
 sage. As it is again before Congress, I beg leave once 
 more to state some of the reasons why I think it ought 
 not to pass. This I should not deem necessary were the 
 members of Congress acquainted with the state of the 
 silk culture, and the nature of the business in the United 
 States; for if they were, it is impossible that a bill with 
 such provisions could obtain attention in that bod)-. 
 
 Tiie bill appropropriates/br^i/ thousand dollars, to be 
 given to Mr. Duponceau in trust, to be given to John 
 D'Homergue, to enable him t^-^ jtablish a silk filature, 
 for reeling silk; and all that D'Homergue is required 
 to do, in consideration of these forty thousand dollars, 
 is to instruct sixty young men in the art of reeling raw 
 silk and preparing it for market. The young men are 
 to be taken from each state and territory in the Union, 
 in proportion to population; and they are to attend five 
 months in each of two successive years, in Philadelphia, 
 to bear their own expenses of travelling to and from that 
 city, and while there. All the silk reeled — all the pro- 
 fits of the establishment — even the proceeds of the work 
 of these young men — and all the property and material 
 to be the absolute property of D'Homergue. These 
 are the essential features of the bill; and now for the 
 objections to it : 
 
 1st. There is not at this time, nor will there be for 
 several years, mulberry tress enough in the United 
 States, available for silk worms, to employ a filature ta 
 the extent contemplated in the bill, twenty days- — con- 
 sequently the money would be wasted; for it must be 
 borne in mind whether the young men attend or not, 
 whether Mr. D'Homergue get cocoons or not, at the end 
 of two years, the money is absolutely his, and he is un- 
 der no further obligation. 
 
 2d. It is believed that there are not 60 young men in 
 the Union, able to bear the expense that would devote 
 the time and money required to carry them through a 
 college of any of the learned professions, to the acquire- 
 
32 Communications, 
 
 ment of merely the art of reeling silk. Is there a sin- 
 gle member of Congress that would send his son to the 
 tilature on such terms and for such an object? I unhes- 
 itatingly say that ihe project will fail from this, if not 
 from the first objection. 
 
 3d. This mode of encouraiiinij or establishinG: a new 
 business is novel and injudicious. All govermental pat- 
 ronage should be open to the competition of its citizens; 
 not partial and confined lo fovored individuals. 
 
 4th. It is injudicious, because it will impress upon 
 the public mind that the art of silk reeling is so difficult 
 of acquiremeni, that a two years schooling is required, 
 which is not the fact. Such an impression would do 
 more injury to the silk culture in this country than all 
 the other causes combined. Indeed the very proposition 
 in question has seriously retarded the progress of the 
 business already. Numerous instances have come to 
 my knowledge of persons abandoning the attempt in 
 despair, after hearing of the project before Congress. 
 I musthere be permitted to say, that the publications of 
 D'Homergue have had a similar eflEect. These publica- 
 tions were artfully written to prepare the way for this 
 project. Any one that reads them will clearly see their 
 object — throughout the whole of them there is not one 
 word of practical useful information. The directions 
 for managing silk worms are merely compilations from 
 other works. 
 
 5th. The measure is ])?i\^?i^\Y unconstitutional . If 
 Congress can appropriate the national funds to the esta- 
 blishment of silk filatures, they may do so to the esta- 
 blishment of any and every other trade and manufac- 
 ture. Indeed the force of this branch jf the argument 
 is so clear and conclusively apparent, I am astonished 
 that Congress has entertained the subject at all. If 
 this bill passes into a law, there is no object to which 
 money can be devoted, that Congress may not take under 
 its patronage in the same way. 
 
 ERRATUM:— In page 18, 10th line from top, for 
 manufacture read article. 
 
MAm mmsE si 
 
 LIBRARY OF CONGRESS 
 
 Professor of Music on the Piano Forte, has taken the 
 rooms over Mr. VanausdoPs store, corner of Main and 
 Sixth streets. They are large and airy, and well f tied 
 up for the purposes of musical instruction. The testi- 
 monials of capability and character, which he has received 
 from those in whose families he has taught, and the insti- 
 tutions in which he has been engaged, he trusts will be 
 amply satisfactory to those who may desire his services. 
 
 TO THE FUBZiZC. 
 
 The testimonials referred to above, have been exhibited 
 to the undersigned. To the opinions expressed in them, 
 of Mr, Maury's ample qualifications^ ive beg leave to 
 add, that he has evinced in the musical instritction oj our 
 children and ivards, the most unremitting attentum, and 
 that their progress has been rapid, ample and efftcitnt. 
 So far as we are able to judge, his mode of instruction 
 is calculated to advance the pupils successfully and satis- 
 factorily in the theory and execution of the science. He 
 is from his ability in our opinion, entitled to the liberal 
 support of our citizens. 
 
 Daniel Gano, John W. Picket, Wm. Woodruff, Oli- 
 ver Fairrhild, Mrs. A, Minor, gn. Cincinnati. 
 
 H. Downer, Esq. Zanesville, Ohio, 
 
 Mrs. M. Tiffin, Chilicothe, Ohio, 
 
 Mrs. Virginia Carey, Va. 
 
 Mr. & Mrs. Edward, Leesburg, Va. 
 
 Tho's Trotter, North Carolina. 
 
 Samuel Branch Esq. Henry Watkins Esq. Va. 
 
 Piano Fortes tuned and repaired at his 
 establishment: Also for sale. 
 
 Cincinnati, Sept. 20th, 1232.