SILK. 



171 



The Morus nigra, or Black Mulberry, is a native of Italy, and was 

 introduced into England in 1548. Both species of mulberry are related 

 to the nettle, and are now placed in the Natural Order Urticacese, sub- 

 order Moracenc. 



Fig. Ill shows three cocoons of Bombyx mori from Italy, all of 

 different sizes and shades of colour, varying in shape from an oval to an 

 oblong form with rugose surfaces. 



Fig. 110. BombyM mori. 



In the upper case is a perforated cocoon of the Cricula trifenestrata 

 of Java and India. For the specimens in this illustration I am indebted 

 to the late Alderman John Thorpe of Middleton. 



Attempts at crossing the Bombyx mori with other silkworms have 

 been made, and crosses have been effected between Bombyx crcesi and 

 mori with very good results. 



Fig. 112 shows the Anther &a mylitta cocoon, which is of an oval 

 shape and of a dirty greyish colour. 



This silk worm produces the Tussur silk of India. These cocoons are 

 generally suspended from the twig? of trees by a hard pedicle, which is 

 shown in the illustration. Another cocoon is shown in longitudinal 

 section, cut open in order to show the pupa or chrysalis inside. 



