The following is from the Shih Pao, translated by the Chinese Times. We mentioned, this proclamation of the Governor of Formosa some time since HE. Liu Ming-chuan, together with Lin, Assistant Commissioner, have issued a joint proclamation exhorting the people to plant the mulberry, with the view of creating a silk industry in Formosa. Their Excellencies state that the soil of Formosa is exceedingly fertile, the crops abundant, and in general, agriculture is much more profitable on the island than on the mainland. But hitherto the cultivation of the mulberry has been neglected, and it behoves the authorities to urgently exhort the people to give their attention to that branch of industry. It is found that in various districts in northern Formosa, and in regions in the interior that have recently been developed, wherever the mulberry has been planted the trees are large and hardy, resembling those grown in Chékian and affording excellent food for the si worm. Already both Formosans and mi chants from the mainland are experi mentally rearing silkworms, with great success," The cocoons woven by the warms possess a thick, velvety cove i Judging from these experimental oper: leid fibres of a'strong id elastic Salty. ations, the rearing of the silkworm could be made a most extensive and profitable industry in Formosa. The planting of young mulberry trees is an. easy matter, as roadside as well as in gardens and fields. they will grow almost anywhere, by the Tt can be carried on concurrently with farming, as the work of pruning and watering the trees requires but little time. The rearing of silkworms can be entrusted to the women, who outside of the tea season are without any important employment. The profits of the silk industry, if successfully carried on, are far greater than those of the tea trade, or of rice culture. Previously men were sent to the mountains in the interior of the Tamsui district to procure young mulberry trees for distribution among the farming population, and measures were taken to engage experienced mulberry growers from the interior to come to ce oe the people in the principles of mul culture." Their Excellencies now issue this proclamation, to inform the inhabitants of northern Formosa that the rearing of the silkworm is a matter that concerns their welfare, and that consequently they must take heed to the exhortations herein given; and on the recurrence of every winter and spring they must devote their time and attention to the planting of the mulberry, which in a short time will afford the necessary food for the silkworm. The object of the Governor and Assistant Comniissioner in promulgating this proclamation is, to promote the interests of the people, and to see them happy and prosperous,
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.