Under the auspices of the Women's Silk Culture Association, of Philadelphia, the culture of the mulberry and silk raising generally, is becoming one of the great successful industries of the United States.

The United States Congress has recognized the utility of the efforts of these ladies, and has appropriated $5,000 to enable them to purchase and distribute mulberry trees to all who apply for them, provided they will furnish satisfactory evidence that the trees will be cared for till " fruition".

The ladies have issued a circular on which we are invited to comment. We can only say that it will be of great use to those entering into silk culture, and as it is freely issued, new beginners should send for one.

We think it much better to sow seeds or plant seedlings than to raise from cuttings, as recommended; but this we comment on in another place.

The Women's Silk Culture Association was organized in Philadelphia in 1880. Its President, Mrs. Lucas, and the ladies associated with her, have had a world of difficulties to overcome in their efforts to promote this useful industry, and deserve great credit for their perseverance. A much greater measure of success has been theirs than usually falls to the lot of those who endeavor to do good, and they should have the praise their successful perseverance deserves.

It is said that there is an endeavor on the part of some silk manufacturers to crush out the infant industry, as they fear a tariff on the product of China and Japan may be put on, in order to protect the silk culture of our own country. This rumor can scarcely be well founded, for manufacturers generally find tariffs benefit them quite as much as they benefit the workingmen in their employ. If there is really any feeling against American silk, it is probably for some other reason than this. That which is cheaper and better in home goods will surely find buyers over that which is foreign. It might be worth while for those who are interested in American silk culture to find out what is the real reason for the indispo-sition to buy American silk, if indeed such indis-position really exists. The writer of this was conversing not long since with an eminent silk manufacturer, who seemed quite proud of the success of the American silk raisers, and intimated anything else than a disposition not to purchase it.