26 COMPLETE INSTRUCTION IN 



night and three, A. M., will be found of great use 

 in the increase of both the quantity and quality 

 of silk, as well as giving ability to the worms to 

 complete their work in a shorter time, than if left 

 to roam over empty branches, looking in vain 

 for food. In this age the worms grow to 1^ to 2 

 inches, ahd hence many more trays will have to 

 be provided, as it is not best at any time to crowd 

 worms on the trays. The fourth and last molt is 

 the most critical in silkworm life. In silk coun- 

 tries, where diseases are prevalent, there is most 

 anxiety felt, as then most ailments are manifested, 

 and often a large part of the silk crop is lost 

 through disease. Great care should be taken to 

 give an abundance of fresh air, fresh food, and 

 plenty of room, both on the tijays and in the 

 racks. At first, and for a few days, they seem 

 soft and limp, but soon they eat voraciously and 

 grow strong, and seem as plump as little sausages. 

 They seem to make a business of eating, and at- 

 tend strictly to it. In this age, especially, they 

 faever should be left an hour without fresh food. "* 



During the last two days of the fifth age they 

 will not eat so much, and gradually lose all desire 

 for food, and wander over the trays, looking for 

 places to spin their cocoons. Sometimes they will 

 settle on one spot of -the fray and wait till all the 

 refuse matter passes from their bodies, and then 

 they look for a place to deposit their load of silk. 



