THE SILK WORM MOTH. 131 



having a smooth brown skin. The following is a 

 figure of the chrysalis : 



The Silk Worm remains in its pupa state for 

 periods depending on the climate or temperature 

 wherein it is placed, varying from fifteen to thirty 

 days ; it then throws off its shroud, and appears 

 in the perfect, or imago state. The moth enjoys 

 its liberty but for a very short space of time. 

 Its first object is to seek its mate, after which the 

 female deposits her eggs, and both male and female 

 die in a few days thereafter. The following repre- 

 sents the female about two-thirds of the size of life, 

 in the act of laying her eggs : 



The number produced by one female is variously 

 stated. Some accounts mention 250, while others 

 reckon 400 to 500 as the usual number. 



One of the most astonishing circumstances con- 

 nected with the natural history of Silk Worms is the 



