12 HINTS ON SILKWORM-BEARING IN THE PUNJAB. 



as to the management required for the worms. In order to 

 carry out rearings successfully, the following points should 

 be carefully observed in their management : 



(1) Proper temperature and ventilation. 



(2) Spacing of the worms. 



(3) Regular feeding with proper leaves. 



(4) Cleanliness Removal of litter and refuse leaves. 



(I) TEMPERATURE AND VENTILATION. 



Temperature.-- The optimum temperature for silkworms is 75 R, 

 but it is practically impossible for the rearer to attain this day 

 and night. Generally speaking the limit of 70 F. 80 F. should not 

 be exceeded. In our submontane climate smouldering dung cake fires 

 in the rearing rooms are essential till about the 10th of March, Later 

 on till about the 25th of that month small fires are needed only during 

 the night, but generally not after that date. As to temperature, an 

 easy rule to be borne in mind is that the temperature which is most 

 agreeable to man is also the temperature best suited to the rearing of 

 silkworms. Hence the rearing rooms should be kept agreeably warm 

 day and night, 



Ventilation. Sufficient ventilation is necessary throughout the 

 rearings, especially after the fourth moult, when an enormous quantity 

 of water vapour is given off by the worms and the mulberry leaves. 



During this period all the doors and windows should be kept open 

 to allow a free passage of air. Generally it is also necessary to keep 

 little heaps of quicklime in the room to absorb the moisture, especially 

 when the weather is rainy. Damp air is extremely dangerous as it 

 induces the diseases of muscardine and flacberie amongst the worms. 



Heat waves, In the Central and Southern Punjab worms are liable 

 to damage by heat waves early in April. The following means should 

 be adopted to bring down the temperature : 



(*) Water the roof of the house just above the racks. 

 (it) Hang large damp sheets over the worms. 



(Hi) Strong draughts of air should be kept passing through the 

 room by opening all possible means of ventilation. 



