In 1768, another plan was proposed, by Mr. Delamar, “in order the more effectually to establish the growth of raw silk in America.”  His proposal was, to pay a bounty of 20_s_. per pound on every pound of good, clear raw silk imported from any of his Majesty’s dominions in America, to be paid on the price such silk might sell for at public sale in London; at the expiration of ten years, ten per cent. bounty was to be allowed; the ensuing five years at five per cent., after which time the bounty was to cease.  This was the general feature of his plan; it was not, however, adopted, though in many respects its provisions were highly judicious and appropriate.

But this branch of industry and commerce was fast waning before the increasing culture of more sure and lucrative products, and only one hundred and thirty-seven different persons brought cocoons to the filature this year.  Governor Wright, in his official letter to the Earl of Hillsborough, July 1, 1768, says, “I am persuaded that few, or none but the very poorer sort of people, will continue to go upon that article.  Several substantial persons, who did mean to make it an object when the price was higher, have, to my knowledge, given it over.  The reason, my Lord, is evident; for people who have their fortune to raise or make, will always turn themselves in such a way, and to the raising and making of such commodities, as they think will answer best; and it is very clear to me, that those who have negroes, may employ themselves and negroes to better advantage, &c., than by raising cocoons at 1_s_. 6_d_. per pound, although that is, as I have said, 7, 8, or 9_d_. more than they are intrinsically worth.”

Cluny, in his “American Traveller,” printed in London, 1769, says, “The climate of Georgia has been found to agree in every respect with the silk worm.”  Experience, however, proved that the climate was not sufficiently equable to secure permanent and continued success.  Governor Wright, in the letter quoted above, says, “the variable and uncertain weather in spring, makes it precarious,” and facts amply confirm this statement.  Only five hundred and forty-one pounds of raw silk were made this year, a smaller amount, with one exception, than had been produced for ten years.  In 1769, the quantity was still more decreased, both from the reluctance of the people to raise worms, and the unfavorable weather in spring.  Governor Wright, on the 20th of June, 1769, says, “We had a most extraordinary prospect, till the middle of April, when I thought every thing safe, yet we had very cold rains on the 17th and 18th, which were succeeded by hard black frost on the 19th and 20th, and destroyed a great part of the worms, and will reduce the silk very much.”