On the Treatment of the Sil/c-Worm. 93 



be made in the apartment where they are, and those 

 which sleep should not be handled, except when the 

 whole are removed to clean the mats, and then with the 

 greatest gentleness. Their sleep will be perceived by 

 their remaining without eating, and motionless. 



As the insect increases, it becomes excessively vora- 

 cious, devouring its food with incredible appetite, and 

 with a noise which may be heard at a considerable dis- 

 tance, and, towards the end of the six weeks, the mats 

 should be changed every day. 



The Italians sprinkle them sometimes with vinegar, 

 they say, to strengthen them. This is done when they 

 «eem not to eat with appetite ; but it may be more use- 

 ful in correcting the air than in strengthening their sto- 

 machs. The custom is not general. 



The white mulberry is the proper food of the silk- 

 worm. I am not sufficiently acquainted with the botany 

 of the United-States to know whether this be found or 

 not. The red mulberry is abundant ; but they tell me 

 here, that the worm will not thrive on it, and that even 

 the white should be in a state of cultivation. The first 

 difficulty which occurs in raising silk in the United- 

 States, should the latter not be found, is the providing^ 

 in sufficient quantities, the proper food. 



OF THE SPINNING OF 1;HE SILK-WORM. 



As soon as the worm has done feeding, which ^vill be 

 perceived about the end of six weeks, as well by a cer. 



