A 1909 historical article on the English silk industry from 1713 to about 1800. It covers the sources of raw silk (Turkey, Italy, India, China), competition from France, Italy and Asia, and the protectionist tariffs and import prohibitions that shaped the trade. It also treats attempts to grow silk in the American colonies, the Lombe throwing mill at Derby and other patented machinery, child and women's labour, and Spitalfields weavers' riots and wage legislation. The author concludes that protection fostered a large industry and steady employment.