lo SILK CULTURE. 



a longer time. Place the cocoons on shallow dishes on iron frames in an 

 oven, heated to a temperature of about 200°. This should not be increased 

 for fear of scorching the silk. The operation takes about one hour — though 

 one and a half hours are not too long to insure success. A slight humming 

 noise in the cocoon maybe heard while there is life, and its cessation shows 

 that the chrysalids are dead. After this operation is completed, the cocoons 

 should be spread on shelves, in the shade with plenty of air, and be 

 frequently stirred for the first few days. After remaining on the shelves for 

 a few weeks with occasional stirring, the chrysalids become quite dry and 

 the cocoons will keep for an indefinite time. They are still subject to attacks 

 from rats, mice and insects, which are attracted by the dead chrysalis within. 

 After thoroughly drying, place the cocoons in bags of thin material and 

 hang them up for future use. 



EGG-LAYING OR REPRODUCTION. 

 Second Crop. 



From the loth to the 20th day from the time when the worm com- 

 mences to spin, the Moths will begin issuing from the cocoons set apart for 

 breeding purposes. They make their appearance in the greatest numbers 

 in the morning early, from 4 to 8 o'clock — and as they appear should be 

 taken gently by the wings, placed on paper, and the sexes kept apart for a 

 short time. The males may readily be distinguished by their smaller bodies 

 and by the incessant fluttering of their wings. The females remain quiet, 

 their abdomens being distended with eggs. When they first issue from the 

 cocoon they are wet — their wings clinging to their bodies. They soon dry 

 themselves, however; and after being separated for an hour or two, the 

 sexes in equal numbers may be placed together upon paper or card-board, 

 and the room be kept as dark as possible. For the complete impregnation 

 of the eggs the sexes should be kept together 6 hours — neither more nor 

 less, and they should be occasionally visited, in order to replace the males 

 which may have become separated. Should more males than females issue 

 from the cocoons on any day, the superfluous males may be put in a closed 

 box and kept till the next day. Should there, on the other hand, be 

 more females than males, a sufficient number of the most vigorous males 

 should be uncoupled at the end of 4 hours and placed with the uncoupled 

 females for 6 hours more. When separated great care must be taken not 

 to injure the moths. The female should beheld by the wings with one hand 

 and the abdomen of the male be gently pressed with the other. The males 

 may then be laid aside in a box, as there may be use for them before all the 

 moths have appeared. After all the females have been impregnated the 

 males may be thrown away. The females as soon as separated should be 

 placed for a few minutes upon blotting paper, where they will discharge a 

 quantity of greenish-yellow fluid. From this they should be put on the 



