148 THE SILK WORM. 



body becomes short and thin. The body swells, 

 turns a green colour, and becomes opaque. The 

 slightest touch will break the skin, which is covered 

 with a greasy humor. The remedy is plainly point- 

 ed out, which is a reduction of food, and that which 

 is not so nourishing. 



The Tripes is another, and the third disease, to 

 which this useful insect is liable. It is caused by the 

 stench which arises from the litteronthe shelves, and 

 want of general cleanliness and ventilation. Worms 

 thus afflicted become soft and wrinkled, and look 

 when dead, like the living worm. I have seen them 

 become putrid fifteen or twenty minutes after death, 

 and so rotten that when taken up with a stick they 

 would not hold together, but fall to pieces. Worms 

 in this country are more subject to this disease than 

 any other, though a little precaution would prevent it. 

 Chloride of lime, dissolved in water, and set in the 

 cocoonery, will destroy all noxious exhalations. The 

 floor should be sprinkled with the solution, especially 

 in hot weather, when it is dangerous to, sprinkle with 

 water alone, on account of the vapor which arises. 

 Nothing is more injurious to worms than wet leaves 

 and a damp atmosphere. I have seen hundreds die 

 from both these causes. Whenever the worm* prove 

 to be sick, they should be immediately conveyed 

 away where the air is pure and dry; for one sick 

 worm will infect hundreds. 



The Yellows is the fourth disease, and is brought 



