

80 PRELIMINARY OBSERVATIONS. 



tion as that which is now designated by the expression, ki- 

 en-kouan, namely, the house of cocoons. 



" The young Empress purifies herself, and offers a sacri- 

 fice to the Goddess of the Silk Worms, as an example to the 

 whole empire, and to promote the general culture of silk. 

 The Empress repairs to a mulberry plantation. She first 

 cuts a branch ; an attendant, who holds a basket, receives 

 the leaves of the mulberry trees ; afterwards the Empress 

 cuts three branches A maid of honor, endowed with the 

 title of Chang-chou, (or President,) throws herself on her 

 knees, and says : It is enough. The attendant who holds 

 the basket receives the leaves, and carries them to the silk 

 worms. It is forbidden to carry the leaves of the mulberry 

 tree to that part of the palace called Ken-chi, or the golden 

 house." 



In the history of the Emperor Hiao-wen-ti, whose reign 

 began in the year 163, before Christ, it is observed: 



"By a decree the Empress was commanded to gather the 

 leaves of the mulberry trees herself, to feed the silk worms, 

 and to furnish the garments destined for sacrifices." 



THE YEAR 156, BEFORE CHRIST. 



The Emperor King-ti, made a decree, and commanded 

 the Empress to gather some mulberry leaves herself, in order 

 to set the example to the whole empire. 



THE YEAR 48, BEFORE CHRIST. 



The mother of the Emperor Youen-ti, visited the house 



