This afternoon we met a famous general who has been in many
revolutions and has had a most romantic career. Cowboy and
soldier, distinguished for daring and courage, he has spent many
days in prison and has lived some time in exile. During the last
serious revolution, he was on the losing side and was captured by
General Castro's forces and imprisoned. Being by nature extremely
active and energetic he grasped at an opportunity to while away his
time of imprisonment which was offered by the gift of two or three
silkworm eggs and some books on the subject. He told us that he
raised silkworms in his cell and in four months had three thousand
cocoons. From these he made silk thread and finally fabricated a
beautiful sash which he sent to the President. General Castro was
so pleased at this undertaking, that he pardoned him and tendered
him a fine estate near Caracas, where the silkworm industry is to
be encouraged. The old soldier has made a wonderful collection
of Venezuelan butterflies and is as thoroughly absorbed in his cocoons
and mulberry trees as he once was in guerrilla warfare.
