1G4 THE SILK WORM. 



SEED. 



, Always choose the largest and firmest cocoons for 

 seed. The floss should be taken off, and the cocoons 

 spread upon a table covered with newspapers. The 

 room should be darkened and cool. In from twelve 

 to fifteen days, according to the warmth of the wea- 

 ther, the flies will come forth. The males and fe- 

 males will commence copulating, and should not be 

 disturbed. The male moth is known from the female 

 by being much smaller ; and from the constant mo- 

 tion of its wings, as it sweeps with an airy circle 

 round the female. The female will lay from two to 

 five hundred eggs; and one hundred female moths it 

 is computed, will produce an ounce of eggs, or forty 

 thousand worms. The eggs adhere to the paper, and 

 should be rolled up and put in some place secure 

 from mice and other creatures which are fond of 

 them. It is a mistaken notion that they must be kept 

 where they will not freeze. I have known eggs to 

 remain all winter on a window pane, where they were 

 Jaid, without the least injury. In the spring, they 

 may be placed in a cellar or ice-house until the Mul- 

 berry puts forth its leaves ; but generally this is not 

 necessary, as the same warmth that hatches the eggs, 

 tvill bring forth the leaves, Nature is seldom remiss 

 in her duty, timing all things with beautiful regulari- 

 ty- 



