| Description | ' Mr Palmer presente the Company from Mr Edward Diggs, with two sorts of Silk ; one course, the other fine, sent from Virginia, and made there together with some written Observations of the said Mr Diggs, concerning Silkworms and the making of Silks, contrary to the received opinion thereof. Mr Palmer was desired to returne the Society's thanks to the Presenter, and to let him know how much they are plesed with his care and concerne, for the Improving of this Occupation, and how glad they shall be, to receive information from time to time of the pregress thereof.
The Observ tions were ordered to be Registred, with a reference to those which were brought in by Monsr Monconis, a French Gentleman ; and some of the Silke was given to Mr Hook to look uon it with the Microscope [In margin; Lib. 2 Fol 201 [300]] Mr Hill was desired to get the parcell of coarse silk, to be put into a Stuffe for a Cover to the Mace. And Dr Goddrd to keep the parcell of the finer Silk
Mr Pell suggested that since the Silkworme seed, procured from Languedock, yeilded Wormes and bottoms in Virginia, as big again as they usuall have there of heir own seed, some of the Virginia seed might be sent into Langudock, to see how that would thrive there.
A Letter was read, sent by Monsr. De la Quintigne (a French Gentleman very expert in Gardening) to the Secretary, concerning the necessity of replanting Melons ; concluding with Expressions of his singular respects to the Society. It was ordered tht the Letter should be filed up, and the Secretary in his private Answers, let the said Gentleman know, that they received his Civilities kindly.
Mr Hook brought in the Description of the new wayes he hath contrived, for Sounding the depth of the Sea without a line, and fethching up water from any depth : which was Ordered to be entered. [in margin; Lib. 2 Fol [crossed out 301] 202 (301)]
The same produced three Microscopical Observations
1. of the Scales of a Seal[s skin, presented by Mr Pell
2. Of a piece of Tabby ; 3. of the bbeard of wilde Oat.
The same was orderd to Speak with Mr Childrey, concerning his Collection of Observations of the Weather, and to make a Report of it to the Society. As also, to try whether he would gran the perusall of them ; for the Service of the Society.
Mr Matthew Wren to be pjut in mind to procure from the Lord Chancellour, the papers of Mr Harriott ; who also had made considerable Observations of the weather.
Mr Colwall mentioned, that Mr Bond was very sure, that according to his Magneticall Hypothesis, the variation of the Needle at London was this year 1. Degr. 4. min westward. Mr Ball was derived to make an Observation hereof. '
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