[ 175 ] 110 



paratc on the tables, are to be brought Into contact, put on other frames 

 and carried into a dark room. It is easy to ascertain if there are rnore 

 females than males. The body oi the feniale is nearly double the size 

 of that of the male; besides, the male which is single, beats about its 

 wings at the least approach of light. The hour must be noted, at which 

 the tables containing the united moths were placed in the dark room. 

 If, after this operation is over, there still remain some moths of each 

 sex, they are to be placed in the small perforated box, plate 1, fig. 4, 

 until the moment favorable for their union aiTives. From time to 

 time they must be looked at, to see if they separate, in order that they 

 may be brought ane^v into contact. When any thing is to be done in 

 the dark chamber, as little light as possible must be admitted, only suf- 

 ficient to distinguish objects. The more light there is, the more 

 the moths are disturbed and troubled in their operations, as light 

 is too stimulating for them. The boxes are very convenient to keep 

 quiet the males which remain, and thus prevent the fine powder ad- 

 hering to their wings from flying about, and the destruction of their 

 wings, and consequently, the loss of their vital power. The cocoons 

 jnust be removed as fast as they are pierced by the moth; for being 

 moist, they communicate their humidity to those which are still en- 

 tire. The paper, also, on the trays, when soiled, is to be removed^ 

 and fresh supplied. Constant attention is required during the whole 

 day, as there is a succession in the process of hatching and union of 

 the moths, which occasionally vary in relative proportion to one an- 

 other. Instead of a frame, paper may be used for the purpose of re- 

 ceiving the eggs. A few good cocoons will not produce a mo^h, ow- 

 ing to their hardness, which prevents the moth from making a hole by 

 -.vhich to come forth. 



2. Separation of the moth, and laying the eggs. 



If there be an excess of males, they must be thrown away; if of 

 females, males must be allotted to them, which have iilready been in a 

 '^tate of union. Great care must be taken, when the couples are sepa- 

 rated, not to injure the males. The male ought not to remain united 

 more than six hours. After the lapse of that time, take the moth by 

 the wings and the body, and separate them gently. xVll the males 

 which are no longer in union must be placed upon the frames; the 

 most vigorous are afterwards selected, and united with those females 

 vvhich have not yet had a mate. Other vigorous males must be pre- 

 served in a separate box, and kept in darkness. When there is likely 

 to be a want of males, let them remain united to the female, the first 

 time only five hours instead of six. The females are not injured by 

 waiting for the male, even many hours; the onl}- loss sustained is that 

 of some eggs which are not impregnated. Six hours, as just said, is the 

 usual time for the moths to remain united; for, in that time, the eggs of 

 the female will be fully impregnated. It is also the general practice not 

 to use the -male for another female; but Mr. Delonchamps, already 

 quoted, assures us that, in the event of having more female than male 



