Crown Land Report.

Thames Star, Volume XIII, Issue 4219, 10 July 1882, Page 2

Crown Land Report.

SILK WORMS.

[Bt Telegbaph.] (FBOM OUtt OWN COBBEBPONDENT.)

Wellington, This day? The Crown Land report re silk culture says, through the agenoy of Mr Creightonof San Francisco, cards of silkworm eggs (grain) were obtained from Alcock of Japan, and placed in the hands of Mr Federlie, who devoted himself to tbe , acclimatisation of the grain, an arduous task requiring almost unremitting attention, day and night during the first two or three weeks. Having once succeeded in hatching the worms the same extreme care will not be necessary again. He was at Akaroa in February and March, where much interest is taken in the subject, for the purpose of showing in practical detail how to manage and rear silkworms. Many persons availed themselves of tbe opportunity, and silkworms were distributed to eighteen different persons ia the Peninsula who had the required food suitable for them. The Peninsula Farmers' Club and others taking an interest in the development of this industry, have through Mr Westener taken steps for a supply of the mulberry (morns alba) from Auckland, Melbourne and Sydney. Mr Federlie sums up his experience of last season in the statement —"The silkworms throve exceedingly well, and there can be no doubt the climate is exceptionally adapted to them." 925,600 acres were acquired in the North Island during the year. ■%-,-■