Product Synopsis

This historic book may have numerous typos or missing text. Not indexed. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. 1839. Not illustrated. Excerpt: ... PREFACE TO THE SECOND EDITION. The favorable reception by the public, of the first and a large edition of this work, has induced me to offer a new volume, with extensive additions and improvements from the new and abundant materials which have come to hand. Particularly have I noticed many of the improvements which have been adopted in some of the silk establishments and manufactories which have so lately arisen into existence in the various sections of our country, as well also as those very important improvements which have so recently been adopted in France. For here chiefly it was, and with reason, that I expected to find, exemplified in practice, some of those improvements, the most signal and decisive, of the latest day. The system of raising silk, which 1 have more especially recommended for America, is, in many respects, another and separate system from that which is usually practised in the less favored sections of Europe. It is the system particularly adapted to our own highly favored climate--to our more serene atmosphere, and almost perpetual sunshine during summer, and to the peculiar requirements of our people. Silk is believed to be eminently adapted to the soil and climate of every division of the Great Republic Our serene atmosphere is peculiarly favorable to its growth, and the prolonged and vigorous state of vegetation during our summers. The genial climate for silk is ours, and the highly favored soil of one whole continent of the great western world, which, by an especial providence, with the exception only of Mexico, has fallen to our share, and is ours exclusively. The annual imports of Britain are four million pounds of raw and thrown silk, at a cost of about £l 5s. sterling ($5 55) per pound. But the annual value of the silk m...