David Carnegie Andrew Agnew, Protestant Exiles from France… (1886)
“ The consideration whereof having of late occupied our mind (who always esteem our people’s good our necessary contemplations) we have conceived, as well by the discourse of our reason as by information gathered from others, that the making of silk might as well be effected here as it is in the kingdom of France, where the same hath of late years been put in practice. ”
David Carnegie Andrew Agnew, Protestant Exiles from France… (1886)
“ For neither the climate of this Isle so far distinct or different in condition from that country (especially from the hither parts thereto) but that it is to be hoped, that these things which by industry prosper there may by like industry, used here, have like success ; and many private persons, who for their pleasure have bred of those worms, have found no experience to the contrary, but that they may be nourished and maintained here, if provision were made for planting of mulberry trees, whose leaves are the food of the worms. ”
David Carnegie Andrew Agnew, Protestant Exiles from France… (1886)
“ Any restrictions upon the refugees were unpopular with the mass of the people, however desirable they might appear to the chartered companies.” — (Introduction, page x.) King James was anxious to be independent of foreign countries for silk. He therefore offered encouragement for the planting of mulberry trees, and the home rearing of silk-worms. The refugees were able and disposed to promote the enterprise, and for this reason the King’s letter, dated 16th November 1608, may be inserted here. The letter was addressed to the Lord-Lieutenant of each county. ”
