THE EGGS. 



The eggs are of small size.* When first laid, they are 

 of a pale yellow color, but in three or four days turn to a 

 light slate color, and subsequently to a dull brownish slate 

 color. Those which remain yellow have not been fecun- 

 dated, and of course are worthless. The most proper 

 place for keeping the eggs until they are wanted for 

 hatching is a dry cellar. They should be kept in a tight 

 box, to protect them from mice or insects, and dry, so 

 that the mold and mildew may not injure them. 



THE HATCHING, LEAVES, ETC. 



The advance of the season determines the time of 

 hatching. the eggs. As soon as the leaf of the mulberry 

 begins to unfold which is generally in this climate (New 

 England,) the latter part of May and you observe that 

 there is a prospect of having a sufficient quantity of food, 

 it is time to expose the eggs to hatch. No other process 

 is necessary than to expose them to the air in a room ; 

 they hatch voluntarily in a day or two after the exposure. 

 Various modes are adopted in Europe hatching them in 

 ovens, carrying them about the person, &c, but no- 

 thing of that kind is necessary here. 



It is best to preserve those insects for rearing, that 

 come out as nearly at the same time as possible. As soon 

 as the worms begin to appear,t lay over them young and 

 tender mulberry leaves ; they will soon attach themselves 



* Vide Figure 1, Plate 1. 

 t See figure 2, Plate 1. 



