246 THE INSECT WOELD. 



the missionaries. It is much to be desired that this species 

 may be acclimatised in Europe. 



Figs. 224 and 225 represent, after drawings in the memoir 

 of M. Guerin-Meneville, already referred to, the cocoon and 

 moth of the Attacus pernyi. 



The silk which Attacus Mylitta produces is perhaps superior to 

 that of Pernyi. "When the cocoons are properly prepared, the 

 silk can with ease be wound off from one end of them to the other.. 

 This worm is found in various parts of Bengal and of Calcutta, and 

 also at Lahore, and its silk is exported in considerable quantities 



Fig. 225. Attacus (Bombyx) pernyi. 



under the name of tusseh. Brownish stuffs are made of it in India 

 of firm and bright texture, which are used for summer clothing, or 

 for covering furniture. 



Figs. 226 and 227 represent the moth and the cocoon of Attacus 

 Mylitta after M. Gnerin-Meneville. 



In 1855, M. de Chavannes reared this species in the open air, 

 near Lausanne, in Switzerland. This treatment succeeded per- 

 fectly, without any degeneration, for many years. It, however, 

 died out at last, from the effects, perhaps, of too great a difference 

 in the climate, or from those accidents, still so little under- 

 stood, to which even the insects of our own country are sub- 

 ject. This was unfortunate, as this species is one of those 

 whose acclimatisation in Europe is the most to be desired, for it 

 would render great service to the cultivators of silk. 



