86 SILK GROWER'S GUIDE. 



taneous heat ensues, which is sufficient to evaporate the 

 spirit, which penetrates the cocoon with power to destroy 

 the chrysalides ; the cocoons are afterwards spread to dry, 

 and are then ready for reeling, with no aid from hot 

 water. M. Beaume states that silk thus managed, not 

 only exhibits a greater degree of lustre, but that the pro- 

 portion of the silk reeled will be one ninth part greater 

 than when the cocoons have been subjected to the heat 

 of an oven. 



By enclosing the cocoons in tin boxes, and, after 

 sprinkling with spirits of wine, closing up the box and 

 placing it in the sun, the chrysalides are in like manner 

 speedily destroyed. Or, by enclosing them in a large 

 wooden box, with a few small perforations in the top, 

 and admitting at the bottom the steam of boiling whis- 

 key or New England rum, the same effect is produced. 

 Camphorated spirits are still more powerful and effec- 

 tual. When these are used, the boxes containing the 

 cocoons should be closed for a time, and placed near 

 the fire ; such cocoons are ever after secure from the 

 attacks of moths. 



The reeling should commence as soon as the first 

 cocoons are completed, and should continue uninter- 

 rupted. Those cocoons which become spotted in de- 

 stroying the chrysalides, must be separated and reeled 

 immediately. 



By whatever process the chrysalides have been de- 

 stroyed, it will be necessary to dry them thoroughly, 

 either in the sun, or in rooms expressly appropriated to 

 this use, which are called cocoonicres, and may be pro- 

 vided with a stove. These rooms are provided with 

 shelves placed in tiers two feet asunder, and formed of 

 laths. The legs of the supporters and the whole being 

 insulated and secure from rats and mice, which are im- 

 moderately fond of the chrysalides. Air is continually 

 admitted, and the cocoons which are spread to the depth 

 of a few inches, are continually watched and turned 

 every day, till thoroughly dry. 



