SILK CULTURE. 9 



GATHERING THE COCOONS. 



In 8 days time from the commencement of the spinning it will be 

 time to gather the cocoons. The stained cocoons should first be removed 

 and laid aside. Be very careful not to stain the clean ones with the black 

 fluid of worms that have died — for this will happen in every cocoonery. 



The loose outer or floss silk must then be picked off from the inner 

 solid cocoon, which process is called stripping, and the latter separated 

 according to weight, color and firmness — those which feel most solid and 

 resist pressure, being the best. Soft or imperfect cocoons must be separated 

 from the firmer ones, as they would be crushed and soil the others. The 

 finest and firmest must now be taken for seed for the next crop, as it is 

 preferable to keep the eggs, to buying from large establishments — as they 

 are apt to be untrustworthy. It is always best for silk- raisers to provide 

 their own seed. The cocoons for seed must be chosen for their firmness, 

 and the fineness and color of their silk, rather than for size. If white — 

 take the purest white. If yellow, the straw color is considered the best. If 

 green — the darkest, glossiest ones must be chosen, as these have the best 

 quality of thread. Do not use the pale shade of green cocoon for seed. 

 Should there be any double or treble cocoons — that is, those made by two, 

 or more worms ; if they are of the right color and quality use them for seed, 

 for which purpose they are just as good though unfit for reeling. Should 

 it be desired to have an ounce of seed, or 40,000 eggs for the next crop or 

 for sale, it would be safe to take at least 200 cocoons, half male aiid half 

 female, and even 225 would be safer. Each female moth it is estimated 

 will lay from 200 to 400 eggs. 



The cocoons must now be laid aside, awaiting the appearance of the 

 moth — care being taken to keep them from rats and mice. Then take care 

 of the other cocoons which must all be stripped, and they are then ready 

 for stifling or choking. 



CHOKING OR STIFLING COCOONS. 



If the cocoons can be sold immediately on their completion, or before 

 the 8th day from their commencement, no further trouble will be necessary 

 after stripping them, than to pack them in bales and ship them to their 

 destination. If the raiser intends reeling — or if some time must elapse 

 before the cocoons can be sold or sent to a reeling establishment or 

 " filature," some means must be taken to prevent the moth from leaving 

 the cocoon, thus injuring the silk for reeling purposes. This can be done 

 by stifling them with steam or choking them with dry heat. Steaming is 

 said to be the surest and quickest method if conveniences are at hand. It 

 can be done at any steam mill. The cocoons are placed on shelves in an 

 air-tight box, and steam turned into it. Twenty minutes will do the required 

 work, and the cocoons are then dried in the sun. Dry-heat choking takes 



