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Though Franklin never visited China, he was fascinated by the Chinese, especially
their agricultural practices.
• Franklin knew Chinese silkworms could produce fabric without using many
resources. He believed silkworms were the reason China could clothe its many
inhabitants without interfering with agriculture. In 1769, he wrote a treatise
on the management of silkworms in America.
• In 1771, Franklin sent a Chinese rhubarb seed to John Bartram, America’s
botanist to the King. This type of rhubarb was used for medicinal purposes,
unlike the edible rhubarb that was already grown in America.
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copyright 2002 Twin Cities Public Television, Inc. All rights reserved.
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