89 [ 175 3 



le the moat considerable. A great number of the v/criiM become tor- 

 pid on this day. 



The leaves should only be distributed as they arc wanted, and only 

 on those hurdles where the worms are perceived not to be torpid, that 

 they should not be wasted uselessly. The worms are this day an inch 

 and three-quarters long. 



Sixth day of the fourth age. 

 (Twenty-first of the rearing of the silkworm.) 



Thirty-five pounds of picked leaves are enough for this day. It is 

 easy to find out where, and in what quantities, the worms need feed. 



Since the preceding day, the silkworms begin to decrease in size, as 

 they have cleansed and cleared themselves of all nutritive substances^ 

 before they sink into their torpor. 



The greenish color of the rings of their body has disappeared, and 

 thqir skin is quite \vrinkled. 



Se.veiith day of the fourth age. 

 (Twenty -second of the rearing of the silkworm) 



The silkAvorms rouse in this day, and accomplish their fourth age. 

 ?In generalizing this paragraph, let us suggest the following observa- 

 tions:* 



In about seven days, the worms have accomplished their fourth 

 moulting, and cast their skins. 



They have consumed, in that period^ 207 pounds of leaves for each 

 ounce of eggs. 



In the seven days of the fourth age, the worms which were about 

 one inch long, have grown half an inch in length. In this age, their 

 weight is augmented fourfold. 



After the third moulting, 144 insects weighed one ounce; it now re- 

 quires only 35 to make up the ounce. 



After tliis moulting they are of a darker colo.r: grayish, with a red 

 cast. 



During this age, shavings of wood should be burnt in the fire-places 

 three or four times a day ; dry straw will answer the purpose also, as 

 this is done to renew and lighten the air of the room, without particu- 

 larly heating it; should it be necessary to heat the laboratory, that 

 should be done either with the stove, or by burning large wood in thp 

 fire-places. 



* Mr. Stephenson directs, that "as soon as several of the worms have passed their 

 fourili moulting', ail those whicli rouse during the two first days sliould be put on one 

 hurdle, those ofilienext two days on another, tiiateach parcel may be carried on as 

 equally as possible. This re mark may be useful to those who depend upon the pre- 

 carious temperature of the air, and do not use a stove. According- to the system o' 

 ©andolo, the whole period will occupy ot\lv tv/o dart'. 

 12 



