THE SILK WORM. 155 



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Many culturists have attempted to ascertain the 

 weight in each case. M. Bonafous informs us, that 

 7217 pounds of leaves were required to feed 200,000 

 worms. Count de Kazzi says that 00,000 worms 

 will destroy 10,000 pounds of leaves, as follows : 



Ibs. 



In the first age, 50 



In the second age, 150 

 In the third age, 460 

 In the fourth age, 1 390 

 In the fifth age, 7950' 



Count Dondolo thinks that twenty-one pounds of 

 leaves will make one pound of cocoons. 



Congress published a manual in 1838, respecting 

 the quantity of food required each day of the silk- 

 worm's existence. I shall give a few extracts, though 

 I have not the least faith in such systematic rules. 

 The number of worms is 180,000. 

 " 1 st day. Three pounds and three quarters of chop- 

 ped leaves, six hours between each of four meals, 

 the smallest quantity at first, and increasing the quan- 

 tum. 



" 2d day. On this day, about six pounds will be 

 needed, chopped very small. This will suffice for 

 the four regular meals, the first of which should be 

 the least, increasing them as they proceed, as was 

 done in the meals of the first day. 



"3d day. This day twelve pounds of soft leaves, 

 chopped very small, will be required for the four 

 meals. The worms will now feed with avidity. 



