240 



THE INSECT WOKLD. 



Fig. 218. Sheet of paper with rows of cocoons pre- 

 pared for the exit of the moths destined for laying eggs. 



for the purpose, where they are left for about an hour, till their 

 wings have fallen flat on their bodies. As soon as they have 



evacuated a red liquor, the 

 males and females, which up 

 to that time have been apart, 

 are put together. 



After copulation, they 

 again separate them. They 

 stick sheets of paper on 

 to screens, putting from 

 twenty-five to thirty females 

 on each sheet (Fig. 219). 

 It is here the moths lay 

 their eggs. The sheets of 

 paper, covered with eggs, 

 are then hung on wires, at a small distance from the ceiling of 

 a room having a northern aspect, which is never warmed. They 



remain thus, exposed to 

 all variations of temper- 

 ature, till the return of 

 the warm weather. We 

 will say a few words to 

 bring this subject to an 

 end, on the winding of 

 cocoons and the spinning 

 of silk. 



The winding of cocoons 

 is an operation which at 

 first sight appears very 

 simple, but which is in 

 reality a difficult and delicate process. It requires unremitting 

 attention, great experience, and a delicacy of touch which can 

 only be found in the fingers of woman, or rather, in the fingers 

 of certain women. 



The woman who is spinning, stands before a sort of loom which 

 is called tour (Fig. 220). Under her hand is a copper containing 

 water, which she heats to the required degree by opening the tap 

 of a tube, which brings a current of steam. She plunges the 



Fig. 219. Sheets of paper stuck into screens, and inclined 

 for the reception of moths. 



