The farmer and mechanic. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1877-1885, 1879-07-17
SILK CULTURE.
Cost and Profits of the Silk Worms

We have already demonstrated to our
readers that the breeding, rearing and cul-
ture of silk worms can be made a successful |
paving business In this section. and as a
matter OF further information concerning
the probable cost and profits to those who
would engage in the enterprise, we give
the following particulars. for which we are
indebted to our enterprisiDg townsman, DR..
B. F. Arlington.
One acre of ground will do for 33S null
berry trees. rows is feet apart and 3 feet
distant in the rows. The cost of trees. 3
years old, and of planting is about 500.
They are planted in the Fall.
The first years foliage will feed worms
enough to make 100 lbs. of cocoons worth
800; the cost of the orchard. The second
wear will realize $50 worth of the cocOOns;
the third year 5000, and the fourth year
$3.50.
If planting from cuttings is resorted to
the cost would be about $40. and the pro
duction the first year, nothing; the second
year about s. worth Of cocoOns; third year,
S25; fourth year. 500; fifth year. $50;
sixth year, 5000; seventh, $3.50; total of
1870 in seven years, making an average of
$104 80 a year. Reduce this one half and
even then the profits would be greater then,
than can be realized by any other crop
grown in North Carolina.
Ten acres we'll set in mulberry trees Of
first quality, after 6 years from the planting
of cuttings, or 3 years from the planting Of
trees 3 years old, will yield q certain annual
income Of 500 per acre. over and above
every expense, for 3 years; then $500 per
acre for next 5 years, or longer If the or
chard is kept we'll pruLed and cultivated,
which can be done at a mere nominal ex-
pense.
In this section the Matching would begin
about the Goth or 18th Of April, and the CO.
coons would be gathered and ready for
market by the 10th or 18th of June, then
nothing more to do but to take care of the
layings and carefully secure the eggs, which
will require but few days attention.
New orchards should be in progress all
the while, to take the place Of old trees,
which can be cut away to advantage after
s or 10 years use, but not until well rooted
young trees 3 or 3 years old, have been
planted near each tree to be removed. The
trees should branch or brush from one to
two feet from the ground, and should be
kept cut back, never permitted to grow
more than s or 10 feet high. Gathering the
leaves from dwarf trees is much cheaper
and more expeditions than when the trees
are pejInlttpu 10 grow ldIl anu DTd1Cn OUT.
Every 55 feet of table surface will accom-
modate ), coo worms, which, if rightly cared
for, will produce from $40 to $15 worth of
cOcOOnS.
The indoor work or management Of the
worms will devolve upon the mother and
daughters in a family, the husband and sons
keeping up the orchards, which is light
work and easily lone after once rightly
regulated.
The culture Of silk cOcoons will be a new
feature of industry in Wayne and adjoining
counties. and may not be taken hold of very
readily by many, but the success of the en-
terprise is simply a question Of time and
that Of only a few years at farthest. 1t is
all important that our people shall com
mence to vary their annual industry so as
to be more independent than most of far
mers are at present.
The one crop %{cotton) idea will prove
detrimental and ruinous to anv people.
matters not how valuable the land NAV be
for the special culture Of that product.
Fifty millions of best breed of silk worms
fed on the best variety of mulberry leaves
after s years old, will yield an annual net
profit greater than the annual cotton cron
of Wayne county.
This new industry can be taken hold of
and carried on upon an extensive scale at =
moderate cost and in no way interfere with
the present status of crops in this section.
cotton neutrality-suspicious. Mcssenocy.