

SILKWORMS. 115 



OBSERVATION BY THE TRANSLATOR. 



The preceding extract relates to silk wcfrms of four moult- 

 ings, the raising of which lasts a longer time than that of 

 the ordinary silk worms, that is to say : silk worms of three 

 moultings. 



HO-PI-SSE-LOUI. 



When the silk worms lay down and remain motionless, 

 that repose is called moulting. During the time of moult- 

 ing they do not eat, either the mulberry leaves, or leaves of 

 the tree, tche. At the end of one day and night, they shed 

 their skins. 



There are some silk worms which have three moultings, 

 and others four. 



HOANG-SING-TSENG, SAYS 



From the hatching of the silk worms to their third moult- 

 ing, cut leaves ought to be constantly given them. When 

 the ardent silk worms are fed, that is to say, Autumn silk 

 worms, they must be carefully watched. As soon as they 

 have eaten their leaves, give them more, for they will fall 

 sick, if they breathe the heat of the silk room fasting. 



NONG-SANG-TSI-YAO. 



Towards the end of Autumn, before the mulberry leaves 

 turn yellow, a large quantity must be gathered. They must 

 be dried and broken up in such a manner so as to be reduced 

 almost to powder. They must be preserved in a place 



