New-York tribune., 1902-03-31
SILK CULTURE HERE.
..RS. HUGHES DECLARES IT COULD BE
MADE A LUCRATIVE INDUSTRY FOR
WOMEN IN THIS COUNTRY.

The silk culture exhibit is regarded as one Of the
most important departments in the Charleston
Exposition This is not merely because Of its
interesting quality. but because it IS hoped by
the committee that it may lead 10 development
OF silk culture a home industry OF the South
There is an excellent showing Of eggs worms
cocoons and silk In its various stages. raised and
reeled by members of the committee who have de
voted themselves to exploiting the industry for the
benefit OF their fellow 1t is interesting 10
learn that. finding it impossible silk reels
they invented one. which is probably Of the most
primitive character. but has answered the purpose
fully.
The experiment in raising raw silk is being
watched with deep interest by all who have the
good OF women breadwinners heart" said Mrs
Blackburn Hughes chairman of the committee.
II this proves successful it Will be followed in
many other States. and this will become of the
great silk producing countries OF the world. Mill
ions Of dollars sent abroad for raw silk then
Will be put in the pockets Of our women in farm
ing districts. This result will be not merely
increase OF national wealth but Of home comforts
and women who otherwise might be driven to the
to earn a meagre living in factory shop
can stay at home and earn far more
Mrs Hughes is an enthusiast silk culture
Some years ago she procured from Italy, through
her brother-in-Iaw, the Duke de Letta.
thousand young mulberry trees, that proved the
suitability OF South Carolina soil by promptly TAX
ing root and dour!shing. Seeding trees. raised by
members Of the committee, shown. and are
considered another proof that silk culture may be
undertaken seriously IN the rural districts
Even though there sholld never be one factory
established in the State" said another member of
the committee, the raising Of the material
might BE- made source Of revenue hundreds OF
her daughters. Since the silk worms Europe
have been affected by disease lucrative side issue
in America has been the raising of eggs for export
There are about forty thousand eggs in ounce
Of seed eggs which when hatched and well fed.
will produce fully one hundred pounds of cocOons.
since an early date IN the history OF this country
many attempts hare been made TO introduce silk
culture, especially in the South Atlantic States
Those who have made study Of the industry as
sert that all the essentials for rearing healthy silk
worms exist here. well In the European and
Oriental silk growing countries The vital lack
they declare, is the patience necessary to be con-
tent in the beginning with small gains.
As long ago as 1852 a small volume was printed in
England and is still in existence bearing the title:
Glory Be 10 God high Peace on Earth Good
will amongst men, Rare and New Discovery Of
a speedy way and easie means. found by
Young Lady in England. For the feeding Of
s.lk-worms IN the Woods on Mulberry Tree-leaves
in Virginia. ." The value and practicabIity Of
the speedy way and easie means found out by
ms unknown maiden is learned from quotation
What a treasure then will this be. and no la
oi o4a[. coSJ, hazarq eXpence OF time at al, Boy
The failure TO raise silk prohtably on A large
sca!e that has befallen the numerous attempts
made in Virginia and South Carolina" said Mrs
Hughes, proves only that in America we must
follow the example Of the old silk growing coun-
Tries and make silk culture literally a home in
oustTy, carried on by the farmers wife and daugh-
Lels- kyeil IN the towns woman with a spare
room and an easily accessible supply of mulberry
or Usage orange leaves could a fair return
q few hours of daily labor OF a light character
.Aslce from the culture exhibit the committee
SHOWS number Of historic examples Of silk and II
Is sale TO say that every old chest and in the
south has been ''rummaged" 70 swell the collection
one OF the most interesting OF the silken relics
the Lucas dress, the coCoons for which were
produced a Wappoo l5o years ago and taken 10
England for reeling and weaving. The silk Of
superb quality. and is in perfect preser-
Faton- In those olden days immense quantities
% cocoons were produced iu the colonies and sent
70 fnKland for manufacture. Now, the
'eilal is imported for manufacture here.
a silver teapot. given a prize for the best ex-
hihit Of silk early in the nineteenth CEN
Jury, is another interesting relic II was awarded
70 woman Of South Carolina. and Is lent by a
great-granddaughter Of the winner. With It are
tnguishd