EXPORT to Foreign Ports from the Ist of September, 1842, to the 31st of August, 1843.

NOTE.-The shipments from Mississippi are included in the export from New Orleans.

STATEMENT showing the Quantities of Cotton Wool, together with the Value thereof, Exported from the United States to all Countries, during the Years 1842 and 1843.

(For further information relative to cotton, see hereafter Cotton Trade of the United Kingdom and of Europe generally.)

GROWTH OF SILK.

The mulberry and silkworm were introduced into Virginia, South Carolina, and Georgia, about the middle of the eighteenth century. Dr. Franklin and others made successful experiments in Pennsylvania in rearing silkworms. At a public filature in Savannah, Georgia, the following deliveries of native cocoons were made: 1052 lbs. in 1757, and during each of the three following years, 7040 lbs., 10,000 lbs., and 15,000 lbs. By referring to the general table of products of agriculture in 1840, it will appear that the total weight of silk cocoons produced amounted to 61,552 lbs.; and an increased trade in mulberry trees has been carried on, with various success, for some years. Bounties have been granted by the state legislature, silk journals published, speculations for growing mulberries and raising silkworms, and "the Multicaulis speculation," par excellence, became a mania, until the disastrous stoppage of the banks in 1839,

proved nearly ruinous to the rearing of mulberry plants. Most of the silk companies then in existence were ruined; notwithstanding bounties and state protection.

Since 1840, the culture of silk appears to have recovered itself. The soil of the United States is extensively and well adapted for growing the mulberry; and the climate, notwithstanding its variable character, is sufficiently favourable for rearing the silk worm. The silk produced is of superior quality.

The following extracts from Mr. Ellsworth's Official Reports for 1842, 1843, and 1844, and from statements in Hunt's Merchants' Magazine, embrace all that we can state relative to the silk culture of the United States.

"Notwithstanding," says Mr. Ellsworth, "the disappointment of many who, since the year 1839, engaged in the culture of the morus multicaulis and other varieties of the mulberry, and the raising of silkworms, there has been, on the whole, a steady increase in the attention devoted to this branch of industry. This may be, in part, attributed to the ease of cultivation, both as to time and labour required, and in no small degree, also, to the fact that, in twelve of the states, a special bounty is paid for the production of cocoons, or of the raw silk. Several of these promise much hereafter in this product, if reliance can be placed on the estimates given in the various journals more particularly devoted to the record of the production of silk. There seems, at least, no ground for abandoning the enterprise, so successfully begun, of aiming to supply our home consumption with this important article of our imports. In Massachusetts, Connecticut, New York, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Tennessee, and Ohio, there has been quite an increase above the amount of 1839. The quantity of raw silk manufactured in this country the past year is estimated at more than 30,000 lbs. The machinery possessed for reeling, spinning, and weaving silk, in the production of ribbons, vestings, damask, &c., admit of its being carried to great perfection, as may be seen by the beautiful specimens of various kinds deposited in the National Gallery at the Patent Office. The climate of our country, from its southern border even up to 44 deg. of north latitude, is suited to the culture of silk. It needs only a rational and unflinching devotion to this object, to place our country soon among the greatest silk producing countries of the world."-Report for 1842.

"During the past year (1842) the silk business in this country has been steadily advancing. A greater interest is evidently felt in the subject; and the evidence is decisive, that it needs only patient perseverance to accomplish greater things than its warmest advocates have ventured to hope for. A well represented national convention on the subject was held at New York in October last, at the time of the fair of the American Institute, by the direction of which a great number of letters and communications from persons engaged in the business in all parts of the United States have been published in a pamphlet called The Silk Question settled.' The statements contained in this publication furnish the most complete view of the condition of the business of cultivation of the mulberry, raising and feeding worms, and the manufacture of silk, with the methods best adapted to success, that has before been presented to the public. Twelve states were represented by the appearance of a delegation in person, and communications were received also from the residents of eight more. From the various other information, as well as from this publication, it is evident that there has been an increase of attention to this crop all over the United States. In New England it does not probably equal that of some other sections of the country. Some scattered notices may help in estimating the crop of the first year; but much reliance will be placed on the publication just mentioned, and we shall endeavour to condense some of the important results and conclusions on account of their eminently practical bearing and utility. The greatest increase in the crop seems to have taken place at the west. The states of Ohio, Tennessee, and Indiana, have several enterprising men whose influence has been felt in urging forward this business, and the advantage is most encouraging. It is very difficult to fix on any ratio, and the estimated crop in the general tables of products for 1843 will probably, in many cases, fall far below the actual progress, but there is sufficient to show that there is a steady increase from year to year. In the New England states, Connecticut and Massachusetts stand foremost in their

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attention to silk. In Connecticut, the effect of the exertions of some ardent friends of the cause, previous to the revolutionary war and just about the close of the last century, is still felt; and several establishments, especially in the town of Mansfield and vicinity, show what might have been done through the whole country had the same perseverance been manifested, in spite of early discouragements, and the same willingness to be contented with moderate profits. The experience of that little town warrants the belief that is expressed by some of its inhabitants that the time is not far distant when we, as a country, shall raise our own silk and manufacture it, and ultimately compete with foreign nations.' From Massachusetts we learn that the country has taken hold of it in earnest; each year, for some years, has doubled on the preceding. Last year (1842) 400 or 500 were engaged in that business in Massachusetts, and more than double that number in New England.' Several establishments for its manufacture are found in this state in successful operation. In parts of Vermont, there are also individuals who are devoting considerable attention to the production of silk; but, as the climate is so much colder here, and in Maine and New Hampshire, than in any other New England states, they are less favourably situated for the busiIt is, however, increasing; and, among other things on this subject, it is stated that several thousand dollars' worth of the eggs of the silkworm have been sent to the West Indies. There is a bounty given by the state government.

ness.

"At the fair of the New York State Agricultural Society, the crop of nineteen persons in a single district of the country was 2150 lbs. In Monroe county, the quantity offered for the state bounty was said to be 2256 lbs. ; the year before, it was 1695 lbs. ; in 1841, 1539 lbs.

"There are two or three establishments for the manufacture of silk in New Jersey, and for some time there was formerly published a paper relating to this subject in this

state.

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Pennsylvania formerly gave a bounty on the production of cocoons or silk; but the law has been repealed. This has excited some unfavourable influence, and probably prevented the progress of the crop as much in this large state, as would have been the case had the encouragement been continued. The following statement shows what has been the progress of the silk culture at Economy,' in five years, commencing in 1838:

"The largest crop raised at one establishment in Europe, 200 years after the culture of silk was introduced, it is said was 3000 lbs.

"In Maryland are some ardent friends of this object; and though some have been unsuccessful in past years, in respect to the multicaulis, yet the belief is expressed that the silk business is yet destined to do well.

"For the southern states this business of silk culture is admirably adapted, and yet comparatively little has been done with regard to it there. On this subject we have the opinion of some residents in that part of the country. One of them writes thus: The great difficulty in all matters of improvement in the south is, it is too small a business— too much trouble, or too long to get the return. My own opinion is, that it is to us of the south the greatest business that has ever presented itself. An old negro, competent to feed young children or chickens, with the aid of a few small chaps from four to eight years of age, can make as much as grown hands can in the field, and this without any expense of gin-house and machinery.' 'It seems to me a business peculiarly appropriate for the south. We can commence feeding on the 20th of April (this year on the 16th, last year on the 24th). We can feed without taking our field hands, or any extra building; and what is done thus is entire gain.' In Georgia, we are informed to this effect:

One family has made thirty yards of beautiful silk, and made it up into ladies' dresses, and it is not inferior to the best French or English in appearance.' One of the members of congress from this state also informs us that he has a suit of silk of the manufacture in South Carolina. An experiment is mentioned as commenced in Louisiana, at Baton Rouge, by a gentleman from France, which seems to promise success. The amount of silk cocoons the past year in Tennessee, is estimated by one concerned in the manufacture, at from 20,000 lbs. to 25,000 lbs. In 1840, it is said, there were raised in that state but 1237 lbs. A fine manufactory here, under the superintendence of an experienced silk weaver from London, is said to have produced splendid specimens of satin. It is also said that 100 hands could now be employed in manufacturing the quantity of cocoons produced; and the opinion is expressed that, ultimately, no other business will equal it.' Governor Jones, of that state, has been presented with a full suit of domestic silk, by the silk-growers there, in acknowledgment of his efficient services to the cause of American industry.

"In Kentucky we notice, in one of the journals, that 500 skeins of beautiful sewing silk have been manufactured in one family; and it is evident that the attention to it is greater than formerly.

"Ohio has one of the finest establishments in the country, which manufactures 1000 bushels of cocoons annually, with a capital of 10,000 dollars, and employing from forty to fifty hands. The amount of cocoons produced in the Ohio valley is estimated at least sufficient to keep 200 reels in operation.'

"Much attention, likewise, is paid to the silk business in Indiana; and the success experienced justifies the expectation that the culture of silk will hereafter become a great business there.

"In Michigan, Mississippi, and Wisconsin, also, by the accounts given, the attention is more directed to this crop than heretofore.

"The whole crop of 1842, is estimated at 315,965 lbs. of cocoons.

"The resolutions passed by the convention at New York on the subject, express the strongest confidence in the prospects of the silk culture."-Report for 1843 and 1844. "The estimated crop of silk for 1844, is 396,790 lbs. of cocoons.'

HEMP AND FLAX.

Our information relative to the cultivation of hemp and flax is confined nearly altogether to the official tables for 1840, and to Mr. Ellsworth's reports:

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Hemp is beginning to be raised somewhat more in the northern and eastern states. This is true especially of the northern part of the state of New York. At present, however, it is confined to the seed crop, owing to the high price of the seed. It is affirmed to be a mistake to suppose that it must be confined to alluvial lands, as has been shown by the farmers of Saratoga and Washington counties, in the state of New York. When planted in drills, at a suitable distance, as it should be, and properly cultivated, hemp generally produces, it is said, from twenty to forty bushels of seed to the acre; and instances are not rare of its yielding from fifty to sixty bushels. The seed is generally worth from three to six dollars per bushel. When sown for the lint, it should be sown broadcast, from two to three bushels of seed to the acre, depending on the quality of the land; and it usually produces from 700 to 1000 weight of clean hemp to the acre."-Report for 1841.

"In the state of New York, the crop has advanced. This is partly owing to the fact that the farmers of Seneca, and some other counties, have been induced by the proprietors of two oil-mills to sow alout 1000 acres of flax for the seed; the yield is said to be from ten to fifteen bushels per acre. The increase is thought to be as high as fifteen or twenty per cent. In New Jersey, the falling off of the flax crop was from fifty to seventy five per cent,' and it is said to have been almost an entire failure.' In the other middle and southern states, generally, there was an advance on the crop of 1842, of from five to ten per cent.

"In Mississippi, the cultivation of hemp is said to be increasing. The product raised is about one-half a ton to the acre; whereas, in Kentucky, 800 lbs. is esteemed a good crop. One planter, who, in 1842, raised three acres, intended to put in fifteen acres for

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1843. Still the crop for the past year is said to have been short, compared to what it might have been, had the season been more favourable. The hemp crop of Tennessee was, probably, a small increase above that of 1842, perhaps five per cent. Kentucky is considered foremost in its crop of hemp. The accounts respecting its production for the past year in this state represent it as in some parts a medium crop, selling for three dollars to four dollars per 100 lbs. In other sections, it is thought to have been not an average crop, and 'one-third less than in 1842,' principally owing to the heavy rains and hail-storms in the spring; the decrease from these causes is estimated to have been as much as fifteen per cent. In Ohio, the crop of flax and hemp is considered to have advanced ten per cent. From some parts, the information received placed it as high as twenty per cent;' while, in others, it was reckoned about the same as in 1842. More is said to be raised for seed than for lint. In Indiana the accounts vary; the flax in the south-eastern part of the state is pronounced to have been a good crop ;' while, on the western side of the state, near the Wabash, both flax and hemp failed. In the south-western section, it is thought to have been 'twenty per cent more,' and in the north-western, twenty-five per cent short, owing to the drought.' Not a great deal of either flax or hemp is grown in Illinois; in some parts, the crop was an average one;' a fair crop ;' 'good.' In other sections of the state, however, the information is more unfavourable. Our informant says, Recently much attention has been bestowed on the raising of hemp. No part of the United States is superior to Illinois for this production. I was born and educated in the best hemp county in Kentucky, and I am satisfied the same number of hands can tend more hemp in Illinois, and prepare it for market, than in Kentucky. The hemp is now transported chiefly to St. Louis; but manufacturing establishments are now beginning in Illinois, which will consume a portion of what is raised in that state. Should a machine be found which will answer the purpose of breaking the hemp cheaper than it can be done by hand, Illinois will soon raise more hemp than any other state in the union.' The crop of hemp in Missouri, though not as large as might have been hoped for, has somewhat gained on the previous year. In a public journal, in September, we find the following notice: The hemp crops in this section of the state are proving to be much better than was anticipated some time since ; many crops, since cutting, have been found to be nearly, if not quite, as good as they were last year. The crops in the prairies are, to some extent, a failure; but, in the rich timbered lands, they may be considered good.' In some parts of Michigan, there was more flax sown than before even double that of last year-and the crop was good; but in others it fell short, owing to the dry cold weather in June; probably there was, on an average, a small increase. In Wisconsin, it was an average crop; while, in Iowa, it is said to have been uncommonly good, and has been estimated at an increase of twenty-five per cent, which seems too high; the whole average may have been ten per cent.

"A species of flax is mentioned as growing in the territory of Oregon, which is described as resembling the common flax in every thing, except that it is perennial. The natives are said to use it in making fishing-nets. The roots are too large, and run too deep, to be pulled like the common flax, but fields of it might be mowed like grass; and, if found to succeed, it might be raised without continual cultivation. Perhaps it may be worthy a trial to introduce it

among us.

"A variety of hemp, also, which is indigenous, called the Indian hemp, is described in a scientific journal in 1826. It is said to grow profusely on our low lands. Its blossoms, like those of the silk weed, are purple, and the pods contain a quantity of silk, though less than the silk weed; but the coat of its stem is far superior in strength to the hemp. The gentleman who communicated an account of it to the New York Society for the Promotion of Useful Arts, in 1810, observes :-'I caused to be water-rotted a considerable quantity in 1804, and obtained an excellent hemp, as white as snow, remarkable for its strength, which proved to be double that of common hemp. I have been informed, that the Indians who formerly inhabited the land where my plantation is situated, on the east bank of the Hudson river, made great use of this plant; and, not many years ago, were still in the habit of coming from the distant place, where they now dwell, to collect it. Several of my oldest neighbours have assured me that the ropes and yarn which they made from the fibres of that plant, were far superior, for strength and durability, to those made of flax and hemp.'