He gave every encouragement to the breeding of silkworms.

He sent circular letters to all the counties of England, strongly recommending the inhabitants to plant mulberry trees.

The trees were planted in many places, but the leaves did not ripen in sufficient time for the sustenance of the silkworms.
The same attempt was made at Inneshannon, near Bandon, in Ireland, by the Hugnenot refugees, but proved abortive.

The climate proved too cold or damp for the rearing of silkworms with advantage.

All that remains is "The Mulberry Field," which still retains its name.
Nevertheless the Huguenots successfully established the silk manufacture at London and Dublin, obtaining the spun silk from abroad.
Down to the beginning of last century, the Italians were the principal producers of organzine or thrown silk; and for a long time they succeeded in keeping their art a secret.