138 CHINESE MODE OF REARING SILKWORMS. 



warm and dry place. Next day a repetition of th< 

 same process is adopted, and then the eggs beconu 

 of a pale gray colour. After being a third daj 

 subjected to the same mode of treatment, they as- 

 sume a much darker hue, approaching nearly t 

 black ; and on the next morning, when the pape 

 is spread out, the larvae are found to have burs 

 from their confinement in the eggs, and are foun< 

 moving about in a vivacious manner. 



The Chinese have recourse to ovens for the si 

 multaneous hatching the eggs of silkworms in th 

 higher latitudes of that country ; and the strictes 

 attention is paid in preserving their receptacles fo 

 the worms, in high and dry situations ; and ever 

 means is adopted to preserve the purity of th 

 atmosphere, and the rooms are at the same tim 

 made quite air-tight. While the worms are ye 

 young, they are very particular in preventing thei 

 being disturbed by noise ; but this we believe t 

 be an absurd fancy. The doors of the rooms I 

 which the worms are kept, are always open to th 

 south. The worms are fed on hurdles, which ar, 

 placed in frames, ranged in tiers, eight or to 

 deep, above each other. Great attention is paid t 

 the uniform temperature of the rooms ; and thi 

 is effected either by carrying chafing dishes 

 stoves through the apartments, or by the use 4 

 stoves. Smoke and flame are carefully guarde, 

 against, and the contents of a cow-house ar 



