1874 San Diego City Directory
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OTHER BRANCHES OF INDUSTRY.
silkworm must have to ensure its thrifty growth. Small experiments in silkworm raising have been made with good prospect of success.
When those who understand the business make a beginning in this important work, it will have a tendency to attract the attention and presence of the silk-growing population of Europe.
Diseases which during the last few years have infected the silkworm of France, should stimulate those who have a knowledge of the work to engage in it here. A writer on sericulture says: "The whole secret in raising the silkworm consists in securing for it warmth, dryness, plenty of proper food, and pure air. The mulberry tree, whose leaves constitute the food of the silkworm, requires for its perfect growth long continued, dry, and warm weather, and suffers in the rainy seasons of England and France. One mulberry tree, it is computed, will feed as many silkworms as would produce annually seven pounds of silk."
Europeans import their silkworm eggs from China and Japan. Cannot San Diego, at the generous figure paid for them in San Francisco, (four dollars per ounce,) contribute her part toward supplying the European market?
This county is already famous for its delicious honey. It commands the highest price in market, both in California and at the East. The increase in exportation was, in 1873, one hundred thousand pounds in excess of the preceding year. There is no limit in this land of flowers to the number of bees that may be made profitable. A large proportion of our farmers are engaging in this lucrative business, and others making it a specialty. San Diego is second, and will soon rank first, among the honey-producing counties of the State.
Sheep raising is beginning to command special attention. Large flocks of sheep range over the hiils and through the valleys, kept in excellent condition during the year by fresh, green feed in winter, and dry, nutritious grasses in summer. Our winters are so mild that few young die from exposure, and with a shelter during the heaviest storms, the number would be greatly reduced.
The increasing business of wool growing creates a demand
