206 THE CALIFORNIA 



wasted, in the receptacle of these dimensions, than 

 where more space is allowed ; also, at such periods t 

 exclude the outward air and light, believing the silk- 

 worms spin their cocoons more diligently in darkness. 



Seven days after the silkworms have commenced 

 their cocoons, they are collected together ; and a suffi- 

 cient number being reserved for breeding, the remainder 

 is placed in layers, in large earthcrn jars with salt, in 

 the proportion of one-fortieth part of the whole weight 

 of cocoons between the layers. The whole is covered 

 with large dry leaves, and the mouths of the vessels are 

 closely stopped. 



The long, shining cocoons produce silk of superior 

 quality. These are separated in reeling, by the Chinese, 

 from those cocoons of a thick fonn and dark color, which 

 are of an inferior quality. In China and in Han-Choo- 

 Foo, according to Sir George Staunton, women only 

 are employed in the fabrication of flowered and em- 

 broidered satins, and vast numbers are employed in 

 very extensive factories. 



In the hot climate of India, the silkworms are reared 

 and sheltered in buildings, and beneath sheds of an 

 open and airy structure, the sides being composed of 

 lattice work, and the roofs covered with thatch ; their 

 breadth being generally fifteen feet, with a path through 

 the center of sufficient width. The height is usually 

 eight feet or more, and on either side ; and one above 

 the other, and in tiers of from twelve to sixteen deep, 

 arc the stagings, formed of shelves or shallow boxes of 

 bamboo, in which the silkworms are placed. The posts,- 



