50 THE SILK WORM. 



as has already been remarked, are in general the con- 

 sequence of want of sufficent air arid space being 

 suffered to get wet being fed on damp or wilted 

 leaves and not being kept clean. The preventives of 

 disease, are to prevent the causes which produce it. 

 Give them room and air keep them dry feed them 

 on fresh leaves and keep them clean. If the cocoon- 

 ery is fitted up with glass windows, they should be 

 partially darkened during the silk season, as the 

 Worms do not work as well in a full blaze of light. 



As rats, mice, spiders, ants and fowls will destroy 

 the Worms, care must be taken to prevent their hav- 

 ing access to them. In some cocooneries, a space of 

 several inches is left between the shelves and the 

 walls, and the legs, or posts, by which they are sup- 

 ported, are tarred to prevent the attack of these ene- 

 mies. 



The destruction of the Worms by ants, has been 

 prevented by placing lemon juice about the shelves 

 and cracks where they make their appearance. In 

 some cocooneries, streaks of thick molasses are made 

 around the lower part of the post to prevent their as- 

 cending. In others, the legs of tables are placed in 

 plates or bowls of water for the same purpose. 



The smoking of tobacco must also be forbidden in 

 the cocoonery, as it will endanger the health and may 

 destroy the lives of the Worms. In the filth age, 

 the Worms must be fed during the night, or a double 

 portion of leaves given them at the last feeding. 



