Why Silkworms

Failed in Vt.

Vermonters always had an eye out for diversity. In the early 1800s, the legislature passed an act offering "25 cents a pound for every pound of silkworm cocoons raised in the state, 25 cents a pound for every pound of raw silk reeled from cocoons, and 25 cents for every pound of sewing silk manufactured therein."

Capt. Lovell Bullock down Guilford way set out seven acres of mulberry trees to feed silkworms, which feed exclusively on the leaves. Before long (in 1847), he gave up silkworm culture as too labor-intensive. At such prices, it’s no wonder!

Miriam Herwig

Randolph Center

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