No. 105.J 139 



Good hemp or flax twine is passed around these tacks, forming a net, by 

 passing the filling double over and under the threads of the warp, or 

 that part of the twine previously put lengthwise. The twine used 

 as filling should be somewhat smaller than that running lengthwise. 

 On a damp day the twine becomes tight. I then give the netting 

 two good coats of shellac varnish. This cements the whole together, 

 and renders it firm and durable. 



The varnish is made by dissolving a quantity of gum shellac in 

 alcohol, in a tin covered vessel, and placed near the fire. It should be 

 reduced, when used, to the consistence of paint. 



Another set of frames are made in the same way, and of the same 

 size, and covered with strong cotton or tow cloth, this is secured with 

 small tacks. Upon these, the frames rest, which serve to catch the 

 litter that falls from the worms. 



Hurdles made and supported in this manner, admit of a more free 

 circulation of air, and the litter is less liable to mould or ferment, and 

 can be removed and cleaned at pleasure. 



With this kind of screen, I make use of winding frames constructed 

 in the following manner : A light frame is made of boards one and a 

 half inches wide, the length of the hurdles^ and two feet four inches ; 

 this is filled crosswise with thin laths, about one inch apart, in the 

 clear. The manner of using these frames will be hereafter explained. 

 They answer the two-fold purpose of winding frames and mounting 

 ladders. 



The care and expense required in fitting up a house on this plan, 

 may prevent its general adoption. The most common method that has 

 been heretofore employed, is permanent shelves, but the labor required 

 to keep the worms properly cleaned, renders this plan objectionable. 



At Economy, the rearing of the silk worm is now carried on to a 

 great extent, and more successfully than in any other part of the 

 United States, or perhaps the world. 



Their houses are two stories high. The worms are fed on small 

 trays, about eighteen or twenty inches wide, and about three feet long 

 They are supported in the same manner as the hurdles above described, 

 and are about six inches apart. When the worms are about ready to 

 wind, they are transferred to the upper story, to permanent shelves, 

 about sixteen inches apart, where they form their cocoons in bunches 

 of straw placed upright between the shelves. 



The worms are cleaned at least once after every moulting; and after 



