58 THE SILK WORM. 



31st day. The Worms this day, need four hun- 

 dred and ninety five pounds of leaves, which must be 

 distributed as it may be wanted. 



32d day. This last day, they attain perfection, 

 which may be ascertained by the following indica- 

 tions. 



1st. When, on putting some leaves on the wickers, 

 the insects get upon the leaves without eating them, 

 and rear their heads as if in search of something else. 



2nd. When, on looking at them horizontally, the 

 light shines through them, and they appear of a whitish 

 yellow transparent color. 



3rd. When numbers of the Worms, which were 

 fastened to the inside of the edges of the wickers, and 

 straightened, now get upon the edges, and move slow- 

 ly along, instinct urging them to seek change of place. 



4th. When numbers of Worms leave the centre of 

 the wickers and try to reach the edges, and crawl up 

 upon them. 



5th. When their rings draw in, and their greenish 

 color changes to a deep golden hue. 



6th. When their skins become wrinkled about the 

 neck, and their bodies have more softness to the touch 

 than heretofore, and feel like soft dough. 



7th. When, in taking a Worm in the hand and 

 looking through it, the whole body has assumed the 

 transparency of a ripe yellow plum, When these 

 signs appear in any of the Worms, every thing should 

 be prepared for their rising, that those Worms which 

 are ready to rise may not lose their strength and silk 

 in seeking for the support they require. 



This day, the two hundred and forty pounds of sor- 

 ted leaves, which are still in reserve, should be given 

 b y degrees, and according to their wants. The little 



