The Hawaiian gazette. [volume] (Honolulu [Oahu, Hawaii]) 1865-1918, 1870-10-12
Culture of silk i'm California.

strides, stimulated by the wonderful capabilitie,
Of the climate and soil Thus far, the main at
tention has been given to the species of silk
worm known as the BOn5yr Mori or mulberry
feeder, which always has proved TO be the most
valuable silk-worm known. But of late years. a
most friendly rival has made its appearance ia
Europe, where it has been experimental with SO
successfully that it seems destined to be largely
introduced into the United States, where il
promises to make favorable impression from its
intrinsic value.
Ailauthiculture has proved most promising
industry. wherever tried Its introduction here
can never impair or supplant the success of any
other species. as it is 50 exclusive in its way 1t
will be- rather, most valuable assistant and sup
Plemeut to agriculture, by bringing into use some
lands which have been considered valueless As
the worm is perfectly hardy and selfdependent,
il be raised on an extended scale, in the open
air, with simple covering of gauze to protect
the worms from the birds. He will be considered
q public beneiactor who will be the means of
properly introducing into the State, and putting
20 pnctical use, this most profitable industry.
who will demonstrate the value for commercial
purposes Of tree SO long neglected and abused.
as the Aianthus.
To some, this branch of sericulture NAV be
new, and the principles for the raising the worms
may be thought TO be tedious or difficult. Not
so the culture, though analogous to that of the
common silk-worm is so easy and simple, so
economical and interesting. that child could
understand it 10 a few hours, and because of its
most fascinating Surroundings, would become
devotee to entomology. One circumstance which
renders the cultivation of the Ailanthus and the
silk-WOrm so simple and easy, is the most extra
ordinary facility with which they can be reared
10 portions Of the country where other pursuits
would be difficult, scarce and costly.
The Ailanthus will flourish on any soil, even
when sterile or very moist, for it is easy to grow.
In England and Holland, aud other moist climates.
the Ailanthns tree grows luxurisnty. and the
insect attains a large size and makes a fine
cocoon. In moist. dry aud barren Situations. the
tree VIII grow aud thrive unlike any other. The
day seems not far distant when this species of
worn will be cultivated on an immense scale in
wiz become a source of pleasure aud profit to
many by opening up an employment to hundreds
Of women and children, in parts of the country
where no other branch of labor could be as
profitable, for a market is now open for all the
cocoons and silk that can be raised from the
BOm5yr Cynthia.
The frs; introduction of this noted species in
Europe, was about the year 1856. through Pied
moUtese missionary, Able Fantoni, who sent
then TO France. The eggs were received in the
month Of November. and in the following spring
we're carefully Matched. Various kinds of food
were offered them and rejected until some leaves
Of the Ailanthus Glandolosa were tried which
were quickly seized upon, and of which the
worms ate very greedily. This proved to be the
real food Of the worms, and from theif~niove-
ments it was conceded to be the only proper
food. Experience has since proved this view to |
be correct. ~
Regarding the ailanthus silk, everything is in |
its favor, as the qualities of this new textile |
fabric have been carefully studied and appreciated .
by those who have had keen eye to the subject.
Il has also been well tested by the manufacturers
at Lyons and Roubaise, and Endorsed by the en-
inent Professor Of Chemistry. DR.. SAGE, at ives.
serling The silk is easily cleaned will take
dye equally as well, and permit finer gloss even
than the silk Of the Borztyr NoTf One Of the
most clever and noted weavers of France, Mons.
de Cough, has discovered, after careful and iu-
dicioss experiments, that the gloss of the allan
thus silk far supasses any other known varieties
Of bogre dc soil" while the immense utility of
the cultivation Of tins species in France has been
proven by abe remarks OF Father Incarville, who
said. the silk produced from the ailanthus lasts
double the time Of that produced b. the mulberry
worm, does not spot so easily, and washes like
linen" The strength Of this silk is very great,
the eOeOons are easy to card aud spin. and leave
no residue while it is a most excellent stuff for
use in ali manufactures where bogTe (Hoss,) is
desired.
The ealtare of this Ailanthus worm. on large
scale, is estimated to be practicable at one-third
the cost Of the mulberry worm. while it will
furnish 10 abundance much stronger and finer
hOss- 1t has been proved. beyond question. that
the well-known Indian foulards, whose durability
has made them famous are composed entirely of
Ailanthns silk.
The demand for this species Of silk is now on
the increase IN EurOpe, where it is known to be
darable and serviceable, and its cultivation on
large scale is projected.
Among the peculiarities of this species may
be mentioned the fact that the cocoon is not
formed like others, but the worm takes zig-zag
course, making the cocoon appear open at the
ends Hence the difficulty in reeling it, as its
weight makes it sink in the water, in the attempt
70 reel It. aud At has heretofore been carled and
spun. like wool or cotton. A remedy will soon
be found for this defect. for experiments are now
being made in France. to ascertain q method
whereby it can be reeled like other silks. Some
Of TIE ccsoons will reel from 500 to LOO yards
OF silk iu a continuous thread The moth, when
emerging by its own instinct does not cut the
strands Of silk Of which the cocoon is composed,
las does The mulberry wOrm) but gently forces
is way through the opening, leaving the cocoon