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CHAPTER X. 



4p the rearino op the silkworms in the last period of thk 

 fifth age j that is to say, until the cocoon is perfected. 



Observations on the subject. 



The fifth age can only be looked on as terminated when the cocoon 

 is perl'ect. 



The cleanliness of the tables in these last days of the fifth age, re- 

 quires great attention to preserve the health of the Silkworms. 



It must be added, that, if the qiiantity of leaves ordered for the 

 Iterith and last day of the fifth age be insufficient, a very little more 

 should be allowed them; for they should now be stinted, even if there 

 chance to be some leaves left. And also, should the v/orms take 

 eleven days, instead of ten, to come to perfection, the same quantity 

 mght suffice. There are causes we cannot trace, which hasten or 

 slacken the progress of the silkworms towards maturity by some 

 hours.* 



Tenth day of the fifth age. 

 (Thirty-second of the rearing of the silkworm.) 

 Matured perfection of the Silkioorm. 



This last day they attain perfection, which may be ascertained by 

 the foi lowing indications: 



1st. When, on putting some leaves on the wickers, the insects get 

 upon the leaves without eating them, and rear their he^ds as if in 

 search of something else. 



2d. When, on looking at them horizontally, the light shines through 

 them, and they appear of a whitish yellow transparent color. 



3d. When numbers of the worms which were fastened to the in- 

 side of the edges of the wickers, and straightened, now get upon the 

 edges, and move slowly along, instinct urging them to seek change of 

 place. 



4th. When numbers of worms leaVe the centre of the wickers and 

 try to reach the edges, and crawl up upon them. 



5th. When their rings draw in, and their greenish color changes to 

 a deep golden hue. 



6th. When their skins become wrinkled about the neck, and their 

 bodies have more softness to the touch than heretofore, and feel like 

 Soft dough. 



* The American cultivator must attend to this caution. The worms should be fed 

 four or five times a day at this time, and no more leaves g^ven them than they can 

 eat. If too many leaves are given, they will dung on theiri, andj besides, increase 

 the trouble of cleaning the hurdles. 

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