MAIL ITEMS.

Thames Star, Volume VII, Issue 2574, 7 April 1877, Page 3

MAIL ITEMS.

ENGLISH. SILKWORMS.

Mr W. F. Cobb's paper, read before the Society of Arts last month, "On the Rearing of 'Grain'• or Silkworms'. Eggs in this "Country," has proved that a new industry, and one which need not be reliant upon any merely benevolent aid, has been created which will be particularly serviceable to women of the middle and upper classes. The Australian Silk Growers' Depot in Charles street, Gros-venor-square, may fairly be said to offer an opportunity, of work to clever women which'promises to be more; useful than the pitiable career of a •" lady-help." Like all other industries, the nurture of " grain" requires skill and pa--tience. Mrs Bladen Nei11,...t0 mention a well-known name, is no believer in golden roads to feminine wealth. When ladies are supplied with "grain" they undertake a serious responsibility, forthey are required to find proper mulberry; leaves to feed the infant worms, and the white mulberry trees of Knebworth are rarely to be found. Ladies are reminded that this is not amateur work, but business. The cocoons usually find a market in France or Italy. Mrs Neill and her Australian friends have worked independently of Mr Cobb, and therefore it is the more gratifying to think that their theories on sericiculture so happily coincide.—Home News.