Mr, Delahi^arre on Silk Worms. 19- 



(33d Que.) When chryfalidcs come out of the cocoons 

 under the form of butterflies, how are the males to be 

 diflinguiflied from the females ? Is it neceffary to help their 

 copulation ? 



(Ans.j It is very eafy to diflinguifli the males from the 

 females : the firfl are Jmall^ Jliarp pointed and more active, 

 the lafl being full of eggs, are bigger, heavier and round. 



i\s to the fecond part of this query, we may fay that art 

 in this cafe ought to concur with nature. As thefe butterflies 

 are very heavy, and live but few days, there is no doubt that 

 many females would lay their eggs without meeting with 

 males ; therefore, it is necefl'ary to take the lazy males by 

 their wings, as gently as pofTible, in order to carry them to 

 the females upon a bit of black cloth ; let them be united for 

 about four hours, afterwards throw away the males, and leave 

 the females only till they have laid their eggs. 



Thefe eggs ought to be expofed to the air two or three 

 days, in order to dry them ; after which, roll them up upon 

 the cloth, put them in a frelh room during the fummer, and 

 out of the reach of the frolt in the winter. 



(34th Que.) Befides the four moultings of filk worms 

 which may be looked upon as a Idnd of natural difeafe, are 

 they not liable to fome other diforder ? 



(Ans.) Generally fpeaking, careleffnefs, neglect, or want 



