58 



outer fibres averages one inch to the foot, and of the inner 

 If inches. All the fibres are, like Tusser, flat and striated, 

 and united by the gum in pairs by their edges. 



The following table is given by Mr. Hugon, showing the 

 nature and prices of the various kinds of cloth made from 

 Moonga silk : — 



Plates V. and VI. illustrate the entomology of this 

 species, 



CHAPTER XI. 



Carding and Spinning Eria and Muga Cocoons. 



In consequence of a suggestion I made to the Govern- 

 ment of India in 1879, instructions were sent out to the 

 Eria and Muga districts for the collection of a quantity of 

 both kinds of cocoons, and in November and December 

 1879 I received five cases containing 70 lbs. of Eria cocoons 

 and 45 lbs. of Muga cocoons. 



These I at once sent to my spinners with instructions to 

 them to card or dress and spin the cocoons and return the 

 silk to me with samples showing each stage of the process, 

 particularly in yarns, for weaving, knitting, sewing, and 

 embroidery purposes, and in woven fabrics. 



The cocoons were subjected by them to a thoroughly 

 exhaustive treatment, and I have very great pleasure in 

 describing the results of the operations, which happily have 

 been most successful. 



Specimens of the silk at the end of every operation were 

 sent to me which exemplified the result of each process. 

 The staples carded from the cocoons were most beautiful 



