12 



The age of the leaf should be relative to that of the worm. Young 

 worms fed on gld leaf, or old worms fed on young leaf, are apt to 

 become diseased, and even though they may not die, will scarcely 

 molt or will spin indifferently. A change of leaf, too, should, if pos- 

 sible, be avoided, or made gradually. Fresh leaf only should be used, 



and never when wet with 

 dew or heated, or before it 

 has in a measure acquired 

 the temperature of the room 

 in which the worms are being 

 reared. It should be gath- 

 ered early in the morning or 

 in the evening and should 

 not be bruised or torn, nor 

 should the baskets or aprons 

 used to carry it be the same 

 which are used to remove 

 litter. To avoid fermenta- 

 tion the leaves must be 

 spread out in a cellar or 

 cool, darkened room. Cut 

 up only a limited quantity 

 of leaf at a time and cover 

 with a damp cloth to keep 

 fresh, but never submerge 

 the leaf in water, as this is 

 apt to occasion flacherie, a 

 very destructive disease. 

 From the fourth age on 

 there should always be a day's supply ahead, so that in case of rain 

 the worms will not have to fast. 



In gathering leaf, always strip the branches from base to lop, so as 

 not to tear the bark and injure the new buds. The sacks for holding 

 the leaves should have a hoop around the opening and a hook to sus- 

 pend them to the branches. 



IMPLEMENTS NECESSARY TO SILKWORM CULTURE. 



Commercial silk culture requires a smaller outlay of capital than 

 almost any other industry. The net gain the first year may pay for 

 an outfit which will last for many years. The following articles are 

 indispensable: 



(1) Some very light movable shelves, open to air, for the first ages; and, for the 

 following ages, latticed shelves about 3^ feet wide, and stands to support them. 



(2) Unsized ordinary wrapping paper or newspapers to cover the shelves. 



(3) A small ladder, if necessary, to reach high shelves. 



(4) Small trays to remove worms. 



165 



Fig. 6. — Light movable shelves. 



