SERICULTURE IN NEW ZEALAND.

Temuka Leader, Issue 1073, 20 February 1883, Page 1

SERICULTURE IN NEW ZEALAND.

At a recent meeting of the Christchurch Horticultural Society, Mr Federeli submitted specimens of the kind of mulberry, the rose-leaved Morns alba, which should be cultivated for successful sericulture. He also showed a large anl inferior variety (multicaulis, also a Morns alba) that was more subject to frost, and less nourishing to the worm than the roseleaved specimen, which Mr Federeli pronounced the best variety that could be grown. Specimens of cocoons were submitted, showing the different effects of various foods. Mr Federeli also showed that from grain received from Japan ho had produced cocoons and moths that showed a marked inferiority to specimens produced from grain deposited by moths reared from the same grain, but fed in New Zealand. The result he attributed to the superiority of (he New Zealand climate. He quoted statistics showing that in proportion to the increased warmth of the district in which silk was cultivated the price decreased. On this ground he deemed Canterbury a more profitable district for the industry than the North Island. It was stated that 300 worms could be supported during their whole life on 101 b of leaves, and that one well-developed tree would yield upwards of 701bs of leaves. 3000 worms could thus be supported on the leaves of two good trees, and could be attended to at a cost of one hour per diem for five or six weeks; the silk yielded being worth about £4, or the grain worth about £lO. The thanks of the Committee were presented to Mr Federli for his attendance and explanation, and hopes were expressed that the culture of the mulberry would result from the promulgation of the information.