XXV1 
system is established, it is followed up by recutting every year that section 
of the bushes which has already served for two successive productions of 
cocoons within two years. When the second production of one section takes 
place in the spring, the recutting is effected in July, directly after the 
cocoons are gathered; and when it occurs in August the recutting is done 
in November. In this way both sections are used alternately every year for 
each production of cocoons, allowing also ample time for the requisite 
srowth of the bushes. 
“The cocoons retained for obtaining seed must be kept during the winter 
at a uniform cold temperature, taking care not to expose them to any heat 
above 60°, Fahrt. 
“On arrival of the spring, whenever the oaks begin to bud, the cocoons 
intended for preparation of seed are strung together with thread, in long 
rows, and suspended in rooms. Care must be taken, in order to facilitate 
the issue of moths, that the point of suspension of each cocoon must be the 
same that served to attach it to the leaf-stalk while in course of formation. 
If the temperature at this time is not sufficiently high for the development 
of the chrysalis, it must be gradually raised artificially until the moths begin 
to issue from the cocoons. When the moths are out it is necessary to wait 
till they have well distended their wings before placing them in the coupling- 
baskets. Coupling-baskets are lined on the inside with paper pasted all 
round the sides and bottom, with the exception of the cover, to allow 
ventilation. The same number of male and female moths are to be placed 
in the baskets, with sufficient room for free movement. The moths generally 
issue from the cocoons between 6 and 7 p.m., and their coupling, which 
takes place directly afterwards, lasts about twenty-two hours. The male 
moths are then detached from the females and thrown away. The female 
moths are placed in other baskets like the first, inside of which, on the 
paper, they will soon deposit their seed. The baskets must be kept closed 
to prevent their escaping. 
“The baskets containing seed are kept in rooms sufficiently warm (about 
70° Fahr., the temperature of the season in fine weather), and after twelve 
days the seed will be hatched. When the young worms are all out, oak- 
branches with tender leaves are cut and stuck in earthen pots or wooden 
boxes, filled with well-moistened sand or mud to preserve the freshness of 
the leaves. The baskets containing the newly-hatched worms are then 
placed close to the branches, on which the worms will instinctively ascend 
in search of food; more fresh branches are added in the same manner, as 
food must always be abundantly supplied. When the worms have passed 
the second muta (Italian term for each successive period of feeding and 
sleeping of silkworms), a fine day is chosen to transfer the worms to the 
bushes. This is done by holding the branches, on which the worms are, 
close to the bushes, paying attention to distribute them well, so as to avoid 
