1 52 ON REARING 



OBSERVATION OF THE TRANSLATOR. 



The expression of the text, ling-pen, literally signifies 

 basin of cold water. The sense I have thought proper to 

 adopt, "(lukewarm water,) is taken from a positive passage 

 of Book xxv, folio 8, verse, line 2." 



The cocoons which are thin, and of which the surface 

 has fine stripes, can never be easily reeled. They must not 

 be exposed to the vapor of boiling water. They must be 

 reeled by placing them in a basin filled with warm water. 



SAME WORK. 



Manner of Killing the Chrysalides by means of the Vapor of 

 Boiling Water. Plate IX. 



OBSERVATION BY THE TRANSLATOR. 



" In the Chinese Encyclopedia, entitled San-thiai-thou- 

 hoei, it is recommended to throw in the kettle two ounces of 

 salt, and one of oil ; the author assures us, that it prevents 

 the silk from drying, and renders it easier to reel." 



Three bamboo baskets must be taken, with a cover made 

 of soft straw, and it must be placed upon the top of a kettle 

 of boiling; water. Place two baskets on the cover, where 

 from three to four inches of cocoons must be spread. The 

 temperature must be frequently tried, by putting the back 

 of the hand on the cocoons of the upper frame. If the hand 

 cannot endure the heat, the under basket must be drawn 

 away, and another put on the first. The steam must not 

 be too powerful, or it will soften the silk too much ; neither 



