[ 175 ] S4 



Towards evening the hunger of the silkworm decreases; consequently,, 

 the last should be the least meal. 



This day the silkworms grow fast, their skins whiten, the bodies 

 are nearly transparent, and the heads are longer. If a hurdle of 

 worms is seen against the light, before they are fed, they seem of the 

 t^olor of whitish amber, and appear powdery. The contortions they 

 Tbegin to make with their heads, show that their change approaches. 



Fourth day of the third age. 

 (Thhteenth of the rearing of the silkworm.) 



This day about fifty-two pounds and a half of chopped leaves will 

 fee sufficient. The decrease of food is consequent upon the diminution 

 ©f appetite already mentioned; many of the worms are already torpid. 



They should have four meals; the largest first, and the last the 

 least meal. Those only that seem to require it, should be fed. 



Should a great number of silkworms on one table be torpid, while 

 others continue to require food, these should be given a slight meal, 

 without waiting for the stated hour of their feeding, to satisfy them, 

 that they may sink into torpor quickly. 



. Fifth day of the third age. 

 (Fourteenth of the rearing of the silkworm.) 



This day twenty-seven pounds of picked leaves, chopped, will be 

 about the quantity; if it is not enough, more may be added: if too much, 

 less given. 



These two last days, the silkworms begin to cast about some silk 

 down. 



The insect seeks free space to slumber in dry and solitary spots, 

 rearing its head upwards, which is known by finding it on the edges 

 of the paper, where any stalks stick up, upon which it retires. All 

 of them not being able thus to separate from each other, are obliged to 

 remain upon their litter, but testify uneasiness by rearing up their 

 heads. 



When on the point of sinking into torpor, they completely void all 

 excremental matter, and there remains in their intestinal tube, a yel- 

 low lymph alone, rather transparent, and which supplies almost all 

 the animal fluid in them. This is that which, before the surface of 

 the skin they are about to cast, becomes wrinkled and dry, causes 

 them to appear of a yellowish white color, like amber, and semi-trans- 

 parent. 



When the worms prepare for the third, and even the fourth moult- 

 ings, the air of the apartment should be gently agitated, but the tempe- 

 rature must not be much varied. This may be done by opening the 

 fentilators in the ceiling, and those in the floor. 



