SILK MAKERS OF JAPAN

Portrays the entire silk industry in its economic position as a vital contributor toward Japan's livelihood, and as an important commodity in world trade. Shows how caterpillars are raised on one typical farm, from their hatching to the final spinning of the cocoons. Emphasizes the farmer's task in growing quantities of mulberry leaves to feed the young caterpillars. Tells how some cocoons are used to weave silk cloth on hand looms in Japanese homes; but most of them are sold to factories in the cities. Shows the complete factory processing of raw silk thread, government testing methods, and preparations for exporting the silk. Tells how Japan retains much of it to be woven into a variety of beautiful fabrics.