New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1906-02-12
SILK CULTURE FOR ALL
United States Government VIII Set
One Up IN Business.
From The Tribune Bureau. ]

Washington, Feb. Ito create more interest in
silk culture in this country the government now
offers through the Department of Agriculture an
opportunity 10 every individual to become a silk
grower without the outlay of a dollar. Moreover,
the department will start each person in the bust
with complete outfit, and will direct every
step in the operation. Last but not least, it will
allow to reap the benefits of the worms work
by purchasing the cocoons produced. Under Uncle
Sans fostering silk culture is simple and
quires practically capital. The department fur
nishes the essential things needed for starting.
First, there must be d source of food The best
food is the mulberry leaf, but often the Usage
orange is used, though it is not valuable for the
purpose as the mulberry. Muberries usually
grown from cuttings and these are furnished free
by the department. In the course of two years
leaves be taken. and each year thereafter the
trees become valuable a source of food
supply. One two of these trees, If good will be
ample food for all the worms one person can care
for
Within the last half OF the fiscal year than
forty thousand eggs, together with seventy-fve
thousand mulberry seedlings have been distributed
throughout the various parts of the country The
government within the period has purchased
about one ten of green cocoons from the prosper
growers. The price pound paid for thorough
ly dried cocoons by the department is from 80
cents to 81 Is, which is considered by all growers
a good price.
The labor of siIkworm rearing all in about
one month and the time be varied somewhat
by the grower to suit the most abundant food
season. Any large. airy room that be prop
ery heated and ventilated will answer for
ing purposes. The eggs are Matched by exposing
to the air. and then the feeding period begins.
This lasts about four weeks, and during it the
worm grows so rapidly that he must have larger
coat every week. After shedding his skin for the
fourth time he gets restless, refuses eat, climbs
into brush prepared for him and proceeds TO spin
his cocoon.
Spinning requires about three days, and after
ten days the cocoons are gathered. The chrysals
is then smothered best by placing in a hot
for a short time, and the cocoon is thoroughly
well as crippled persons small farms or in viii
lagos suburbs OF large cities wherever sufficient
space be had TO grow a few mulberry trees,
can easily money enough 70 add great many
comforts to their homes and. with the unusual
methods OF the government. without the cost OF
A single penny, and, with a sure market for the
products at good price, silk culture is undoubt-
eddy worth the consideration of any individ-
ual All idle persons are recommended 10 take up
the silk rearing industry. there is practically
labor. and II is at the same time interesting
study.
silk growing is promising only in a small way,
and 1t is not to be expected that it will ever de-
velop immense fortunes. but large number of
needy people may be helped to small amount
of money, and that is the governments benefcent