PRODUCTS WE MIGHT GROW. 105 



then is to have a table on a strong frame, the top being 

 formed of strong mosquito net. Cardboard cells have to be 

 prepared, each cell about one inch square, and an inch and 

 a-half deep are made of stout paper. Lay a few of these 

 cell-cases on the mosquito-net table, and as you gather the 

 spinning worms from the trays, drop one in each cell. 

 When the worms are all got in, cover the upper side with 

 a piece of mosquito-net fastened down by weights at the 

 sides, or by placing another cell-set on top, and then leave 

 the worms to spin their cocoons. In about four days we 

 may take the cocoons out ; in two, if necessary, we may 

 remove the cell-set and hang it up. The object of using 

 cells is to keep the worms separate, and avoid double 

 cocoons. After the fourth day, they are ready for the 

 winder. 



The Cocoons. In the cocoon is the embryo of another 

 moth, which in twelve to fourteen days will eat its way 

 out, and in that interval there is time to determine on one 

 of three processes ; to wind the silk off at once ; to dry the 

 cocoons (killing the grubs) for exportation ; to allow the 

 moths to come out, thus reducing the value of the cocoons 

 for silk production, but to secure eggs for sale as " grain." 

 As to the rirst, there is no demand for raw silk. As to the 

 second, the method of drying cocoons here is by adaptation 

 of the common iron oven, heated by gas or fire, taking care 

 that there is thorough ventilation by a hole or grating at 

 the bottom of the door, and another at the top. In such 

 an oven, and with three-inch intervals, there may be racks 

 or small bars strong enough to hold trays of cocoons. The 

 cocoons are placed not more than two deep, on cardboard 

 or chip on the rocks, covering the topmost layer with paper. 

 When the oven is hot enough just to tinge white paper to 

 a light straw colour, it will do. Twenty minutes kills and 

 dries the grubs. When the cocoons are taken out, they 

 should be spread in the sun to evaporate any moisture left 

 in them. When thoroughly dry and that can l>e told by 

 cutting one open, when the grub should fall to powder 

 they can be pressed and packed in bales of lOOlbs. each, for 

 exportation, The price, in Europe, for good clean cocoons 

 is variously quoted at from 3s. Gd. up to 6s. per Ib. 



