COLONIAL COCOONS.

Globe, Volume XXIII, Issue 2244, 7 May 1881, Page 3

COLONIAL COCOONS.

To the Jhditor of the Globe. Sir, — Apropos of Mr Pederli’a valuable remarks in regard to silk culture, permit me to say, that, a few years ago, I passed through the small town called Coiowa, and had the honor ot paying a visit to the residence ot Mrs Bladen O’Neil, well known to Australians for tho zeal with which she has devoted time and money to testing the adaptability of the soil in that vicinity. I have seen a tangible result of her labors in the form of two scarves, of superfine silk and elaborate working, which Mrs O’Neil presented to Dr.. Thomas, Anglican Bishop of Goulbnrn, N.S.W. The silk was not wrought in Australia. Mrs O’Neil sent the raw material Home (I think to Lyons) for manufacture. I may add that this lady used to employ Chinese men, and she gave me to understand, that, for this work, Chinamen, with their feminine fingers and docile patience were bettor adapted than European men. She hoped, however, to be able to import young girls from Europe, and enable them to earn wages in what then promised to prove a lucrative employment. As a matter of fact I incline to think the employment of tho Chinese was at the time a necessity, there being no young European women available. Yours, &c.. SUB S 3.