THE EGGS. 



The eggs are of small size.* When first laid, they 

 are of a pale yellow color, but in three or four days turn 

 to a light slate color, and subsequently to a dull brownish 

 slate color. Those which remain yellow have not been 

 fecundated, and of course are worthless. The most 

 proper place for keeping the eggs until they are wanted 

 for hatching is a dry cellar. They should be kept in a 

 tight box, to protect them from mice or insects, and dry, 

 so that the mould and mildew may not injure them. 



THE HATCHING, LEAVES, ETC. . 



The advance of the season determines the time of 

 hatching the eggs. As soon as the leaf of the mulberry 

 begins to unfold which is generally in this climate (New 

 England,) the latter part of May and you observe 

 that there is a prospect of having a sufficient quantity of 

 food, it is time to expose the eggs to hatch. No other 

 process is necessary than to expose them to the air in a 

 room ; they hatch voluntarily in a day or two after the 

 exposure. Various modes are adopted in Europe 

 hatching them in ovens, carrying them about the person, 

 &ic, but nothing of that kind is necessary here. 



It is best to preserve those insects for rearing, that 

 come out as nearly at the same time as possible. As 

 soon as the worms begin to appear,f lay over them young 

 and tender mulberry leaves ; they will soon attach them- 

 selves to the leaves and by taking hold of the stems of the 



*Vide Figure 1, Plate 1. 

 t See Figure 2, Plate 1. 



