RESOLUTIONS OF JOINT COMMITTEE ON COLONIAL INDUSTRIES.

&.—No. 14.

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Wishing to further test the practicability of retarding the too spontaneous hatching of silkworm eggs, I divided 20,000 eggs into two parts respectively, Nos. 1 and 2, of 10,000 each. No. 1 I proceeded with as soon as the mulberry tree put forth leaves (early in September) ; by the second week in December they had formed cocoons. The Ist of November I proceeded with No. 2, by the end of January they had formed cocoons —thus proving that a given number of trees will supply double the quantity of silkworms by extending the time from three months (the ordinary time) to five months, and thereby double the yield of silk or eggs, without in the least injuring the trees, as ample time is given them to get full foliage before the winter. The eggs referred to were part of my previous year's stock. In the early part of November I received from the Provincial Government some silkworm eggs, named " Lombardy Buffs." I took great care with them ; the silkworm measured over 3 inches in length and eleven-eighths in girth ; the cocoons are the largest that have been raised in New Zealand, and greatly admired by all persons who have seen them. The silk is of a beautiful texture, and experts say it is equal to the best Italian. I have raised all the eggs possible of this valuable stock ; 350 cocoons weighed one pound, and I havo no doubt of improving them in the following year or two, when they get thoroughly acclimatized. I had sent from Europe some cocoons, dark green and white (very large), as specimens to guide me, and descriptions of a variety of silkworms that feed on the oak, cherry tree, English holly, and several other trees. The correspondence that has. been carried on between the General Government and myself has been partly published in England, and has attracted the notice of persons who are largely interested in the production of silk in the British Possessions, and has resulted in my receiving letters containing most important and valuable information of uses for silk that I little thought of, in which are demands that all New Zealand would be required to supply —a manner of utilizing the silkworm, entirely doing away with roeling the silk or raising the cocoon. It is my intention to lay before the Government the details for allowing the plan to be carried out —the doubt as to sericulture answering would be set at rest. I have, Ac, The Hon. the Colonial Secretary. T. C Batchelor.

No. 15. Memorandum for the Under Secretary by Dr. Hector. 1. I have seen Mr. Batchelor on the subject of the silkworm arrangements. Mr. Batchelor produces certificate of the Provincial Secretary of Nelson, that the second instalment of three acres has been properly planted, in addition to the two acres for which he has already received £100; 75 per cent, of £150 is therefore now due to him, 25 per cent, being reserved for two years, according to the arrangement. 2. He states that the planting cost £35 per acre; and as he intends to plant at least two and a half acres more this year, he is anxious that the conditions should be modified, and that he be either allowed the full amount of £50 per acre, or that additional assistance be granted to him on similar terms as before towards planting an additional area of say three acres. 3. In consideration of such assistance, he is willing to make terms for furnishing trees so as to recoup Government. 4. He exhibits specimens that prove satisfactorily— (1.) That the leaves of Morus alba are inferior in size and quality to those of M. multicaulis. (2.) That the leaves of the latter, when grown on hill-sides, are thicker and, though smaller, are more valuable than those from trees grown on level ground. (3.) That Morus alba grows as freely from cuttings as .22". multicaulis. (4.) That the seed from four successions will produce cocoons of equal quality with tho original, therefore disproving any necessity of degeneration, an hypothesis that has been put forth to account for the low price of the silk grown in Australia. (5.) That he has raised successfully the Lombardy Buff and Japanese Cocoons, both of which are highly esteemed. (6.) That he can successfully delay the hatching so as to produce two broods in the year, the latest commencing in November. (7.) That the silk he has produced can be wound, and equals in quality that produced elsewhere. 5. He is of opinion that the M. Japonica should be introduced. 6. From his experience of the young trees lately imported from California, ho thinks that tho roots should be kept moist and covered with oilcloth during transit, the mere packing in hay not being sufficient to prevent desiccation of the rootlets. 7. He states that there are over 11,000 mulberry trees now distributed in Nelson, chiefly under two years old, all from his nursery. 8. That until the trees are five years old the leaves produced from them will not produce marketable silk of the finest quality, so that previously to their reaching that age the only hope of a return is from the rearing of eggs, which are worth about 255. an ounce. 9. Another purpose to which the leaves of immature trees may be applied is the production of " catgut," a large quantity of which, it appears, from a letter received by Mr Batchelor, is annually required for fishing-tackle, pianoforte and other instrument strings. The gut is prepared by taking the worms when they are about to spin, and forcibly extending them to the proper extent for the fineness of the thread required. 28th July, 1871. James Hector. 3