RESOURCES OF AMERICA, SILK, ETC. 425 



OBSERVATIONS. 



(a) During the first three ages, the leaves should be cut very fine, and, 

 instead of distributing them with the hand, much time would be saved, and 

 the distribution made more equally, by using wire sieves, with meshes 

 about \ of an inch square. 



() Between the moultings there is always an increased appetite, espe- 

 cially in the last age. 



(c) The cleansing consists in removing the litter from under the worms ; 

 and the dividing, in spreading them so as to leave a space between them 

 equal to their own size. During the last ages, two hurdles are filled from 

 one. Dividing is effected by means of nets, with meshes \ of an inch 

 square. 



(d) At the approach of each moulting, the worms raise and toss about their 

 heads, and their appetite diminishes} it is not necessary then to spread 

 leaves, except on those which have not ceased eating ; and when they are 

 all at rest, the feeding may be stopped entirely. 



(e) After moulting, it is necessary to increase gradually the quantity of 

 nourishment, in proportion to the increased appetite of the worms. 



(f) During the fourth age, the leaves are to be cut, but not as fine as 

 before. 



(2-) At the fifth age, cease cutting the leaves. 



The worms are known to be preparing to spin their cocoons by the fol- 

 lowing signs: 1. They discharge all the excremental matter contained in 

 their bodies. 2. Their skins, and especially their feet, become transparent, 

 and partake of the color of the cocoon they are to spin. 3. They wander 

 about on the leaves without eating, and try to climb upon every thing they 

 meet with, dragging after them fibres of silk. 



(/i) The number of days' work does not augment in proportion to the 

 number of ounces of eggs, because, for 10 ounces 210 days are sufficient, 

 and 1,100 days for 100 ounces. 



(?') In 1837, M. Beauvais obtained 185 pounds of cocoons from 2,000 

 pounds of leaves, not sorted. 



Each worm requires but 3 days to wind its cocoon ; but it is well not to 

 take them down until 6 or 8 days, so that the latest worms may have 72 

 hours, at least, to wind. The best-formed cocoons ought to be chosen to 

 produce eggs. One pound of cocoons will produce an ounce of eggs. 

 The rest are placed on hurdles until the killing of the chrysalis, which ought 

 to be done as soon as possible. 



SUMMARY. The strongest indication of success is afforded, when the 

 several changes taking place during the existence of the worm, are per- 

 formed with the greatest possible uniformity, as to time ; and that this indi- 

 cation may be fulfilled, it is necessary to maintain in the cocoonery, 



1. An elevated temperature, sufficiently moist, and uniformly diffused 5 



2. A brisk and constant ventilation; 3. A feeding, light, frequent, and 

 regular; 4. The greatest cleanliness; 5. At all times an active superin- 

 tendence. 



CHAPTER XII. SYSTEM OF THE MISSES REINA, OF 

 COME, IN LOMBARDY. 



This system has been fully described by M. Puvis ; and from its 



simplicity and extraordinary results, it appears to be that, which, 



above all others, will be eminently adapted to our climate, and the 



requirements of our people. The estates of the Count Reina are 



36* 



