f92 On the Treatment of the Silk-Jf^orm. 



eggs Mill not all hatch at the same time ; but as fast as 

 they do, the insect, thus attached to the leaves, and so 

 minute, as to be visible only to close examination, must 

 be gently conveyed and spread on the mats, so as not to 

 be on each other. 



For the first few days, it is recommended to put them 

 in a box, where they will be less exposed, and warmer. 

 For a few days, until the insect acquires strength, the 

 leaves on which it feeds, of which it gradually forms a 

 kind of bed, should not be removed or touched ; and in 

 giving it food, for a short period, so tender is it, that care 

 should be observed not to place even the smallest leaA'Cs 

 on it. 



The first stage passed, the insect increases rapidly ; 

 its food should be given twice every day, at fixed hours: 

 very early in the morning, and at mid-day. The mats 

 should be changed every other day, to remove the refuse 

 of the leaves, and the ordure of the insect, in which, 

 were this cleanliness not observed, they would soon be 

 buried, and destroyed. In removing them, while young, 

 the leaf should be lifted ; but, after they are older and 

 larger, they may be gently lifted with the fingers, \\ith- 

 out injury. 



They feed about six weeks, during which time, atten- 

 tion to feeding them at the stated intervals, giving them 

 abundance, and cleanliness, seem to be the most ncccs- 

 sar)' points. During this i>eriod, they sleep four times, 

 about 24 to 30 hours each time, but not all at the same 

 period. No uncommon noise, therefore, should ever 



