Note 141 — Chapter VIII · GENERAL OBSERVATIONS ON THE CHINESE MODE OF REARING SILK-WORMS, &c.
Reading edition
We have abundant testimony that the most beautiful fabrics, comprising mantles, &c., as well as cordage, was produced from the bark of trees, as early as the year 412 B. C. So that Mr. Stebbins’s “historical fact” is anticipated by 2012 years! (See Chapters XII. and XIII. of this Part.)