SILKWORMS. 125 



the silk worms, (that is to say: is very nourishing,) and 

 disposes them to make a firm and thick cocoon, the silk of 

 which is remarkably strong.] 



When the leaves are cut up, moisten them with fresh wa- 

 ter ; then sift the powdered leaves, and spread them in an 

 uniform manner. 



After the great moulting of the silk worms, (the third 

 moulting,) from three to five meals of that kind must be 

 given them at certain intervals. When the silk worms ap- 

 proach their maturity, they require light and frequent re- 

 pasts and moderate heat. 



SAME WORK. 



If among the silk worms there be any that are backward, 

 that is to say : which do not appear disposed to moult at the 

 same time with the others, frequent supplies of food ought 

 to be given them, in order to accelerate ;iml cause their 

 moulting, at the same time with the rest of the hurdle. 

 When the silk worms do not moult all at once, it proceeds 

 from a species of disease, which dates from their hatching. 

 This method must be followed to remedy it : If among the 

 silk worms which are completely yellow, some change their 

 white color, and begin to turn yellow, much time is not 

 required to become completely so. By the aid of very fre- 

 quent feeding they will soon overtake the others ; in fact, 

 multiplying the feeding hastens the period of their moulting. 



But when the greatest number are completely yellow, 

 many blue and white ones are found, they are far from be- 

 coming entirely yellow, and frequent repasts given them 

 will be useless trouble ; it is impossible for the latter to ar- 

 rive at the moulting at the same time with the first. 



The change of color in the silk worms is the least change 



