THE REARING OF SILKWORMS. 



21 



have the same number of meals to preserve their equality of growth, 

 which is necessar}' for a successful rearing. 



Having adopted hours for feeding, these should be adhered to 

 throughout the rearing. When four meals are given, the best hours 

 are 5 to 6 a. m., 10 to noon, 3 to 6 p. m., and 9 to 11 p. m. 



Toward the sixth day worms begin to eat less. This is a sign that 

 they are going- to molt. Then another change of ])eds and doubling of 

 space are necessary. 



The molt or change of the w^orm is easily recognized by a swelling 

 of the head, whitening of the skin, transparency of the body, and a 

 fixed position. 



Fig. 9.— Perforated paper used in changing beds in the second and third ages. 



To change the beds, proceed as before, only leave undisturbed on 

 the old beds the worms that are molting. When all the tardy worms 

 have been taken up and placed on shelves, give them frequent 

 sprinklings of finely cut up leaf to enable them to catch up with 

 the worms already molting. Diminish the feeding as the backward 

 worms begin to molt, and cease feeding entirely as soon as a single 

 worm comes out of the molt. Then wait twenty-four hours so that 

 the worms may be well over the change before giving a general meal. 

 In this way the equality of development necessary for a methodical 

 and successful rearing is maintained. A fast of twenty-four hours 

 will not hurt the advanced worms, while the extra feeding given to 

 the backward ones may enable them to become equal to the former. 

 The beds of the worms on the old litter may be changed when the 

 general meal is given. 



