THE INSECT WORLD. 



having a northern aspect, which is never warmed. They remain 

 thus, exposed to all variations of temperature, till the return of the 



warm weather. We will 

 say a few words, to bring 

 this subject to an end, on 

 the winding of cocoons 

 and the spinning of silk. 

 The winding of co- 

 coons is an operation 

 which at first sight ap- 

 pears very simple, but 

 which is in reality a diffi- 

 cult and delicate process. 

 It requires unremitting 

 attention, great experi- 

 ence, and a delicacy of 

 touch which can only be 



18. Sheet of paper with rows of cocoons prepared for] found in the fingers of 

 the exit of the moths destined for laying eggs. or rathe r, in the 



Fig. 



fingers of certain women. 



The woman who is spinning, stands before a sort of loom which 

 is called tour (Fig. 220). Under her hand is a copper containing 



water, which she heats to 

 the required degree by 

 opening the tap of a tube, 

 which brings a current of 

 steam. She plunges the 

 cocoons into the hot 

 water, and moves them 

 about in it, to soften the 

 gummy substance which 

 sticks the silken threads 

 of the cocoon together. 

 Then she beats them, 

 with a light hand, with a 

 small birch-broom. The 

 threads of the cocoons 

 get caught in the ex- 

 tremities of the twigs of 

 which the little broom is made, and the workwoman seizes with her 

 fingers the bundle of threads, and shakes them about till she per- 

 ceives that they are all single, and in a fit state to be joined together. 



Fig. 219. Sheets of paper stuck int< 

 for the reception of 



