Гуманитарные и юридические исследования (Sep 2021)
A. F. REBROV - THE FOUNDER OF NATIONAL SERICULTURE IN THE NORTH CAUCASUS IN THE FIRST HALF OF THE NINETEENTH CENTURY
Abstract
The author studies the development of domestic sericulture in the North Caucasus in the first half of the XIX century. The use of a set of published sources and archival documents allowed to identify the main stages of formation and development of sericulture in the period under consideration. In studying this problem, the author used the funds of the state archive of the Stavropol territory, articles from pre-revolutionary newspapers and magazines, and for the first time in the context of the issue the narrative of the French traveler Xavier Ommer de Gell, that was translated by the author. An important role in the development of sericulture played the activity of A. F. Rebrov, who was one of the irst to begin the development and the spread of domestic sericulture in the North Caucasus. A. F. Rebrov used scientiic methods. By means of experimentation and selection new breeds of silkworm and mulberry trees, such as Alba morus were bred, favorable temperature conditions were speciied and improved technology of feeding silkworms was created. A. F. Rebrov was interested in the development of sericulture not only in the North Caucasus, but also in the neigh- boring provinces. In this regard, in his estate Vladimirovka a free of charge school for the study of sericulture for peasant children and all comers was opened. The schools for the study of sericulture were opened in Stavropol, Kizlyar, Kislovodsk, Moscow and St. Petersburg. Gratuitous distribution of mulberry trees and silkworm seedlings contributed to the development of domestic green production and the spread of the silk industry in Russia. The successful development of sericulture was confirmed by high-quality silk produced in the estate of A. F. Rebrov, which in its whiteness competed with French, Italian and Chinese silks. Having encyclopedic knowledge, success in the economy, A. F. Rebrov was appointed honorary Director of the irst agricultural exhibition in the city of Stavropol and personal guide of the Emperor Nicholas I. Having visited the estate of Vladimirovka, statesmen, entrepreneurs and foreigners appreciated the agricultural activities of the landowner Rebrov.
