REARING SILKWORMS. 93 



In the province of Canton there are two special 

 kinds of worms. One kind hatches once a year; 

 the other kind, seven times a year. 



The Chinese have many foolish superstitions 

 about silkworms, which are not worth mention- 

 ing. They weigh the worms in their last sleep, 

 and estimate that 1 pound of worms will eat 

 about 15 pounds of leaves, and spin \\ pounds 

 of silk. 



The health of the worms is indicated by their 

 manner of eating and general appearance. If 

 they eat ravenously, they are well, also if the 

 skin be full and shiny. When the joints look 

 bluish or greenish, or the worms look a dead 

 white, they should be destroyed. 



Leaves must never be over-heated after pick- 

 ing. 



The best and most healthy worms are hatched 

 about the middle of April, and mature in twenty- 

 seven days. The worms are put to spin in 

 bundles of straw, on mats, about one hundred in 

 each bundle. When taken out, the best and 

 cleanest are reserved for the finest silk. 



A skillful Chinese can reel by hand from one 

 pound ten ounces to one pound fourteen ounces 

 a day. 



