63 



fusiform window-like ornamentations. In some they are 

 single, in others double. 



The diameter of the external fibres of the cocoon is very- 

 variable, averaging about t ^ 20 inch, whilst that of the 

 internal fibres is more uniform, and about 10 1 00 inch. The 

 outer fibres are capable of supporting an average weight of 

 2-i- drams, and the inner %\ drams. The tension of the 

 outer fibres is one inch to the foot, and the inner 1^ inches. 

 The fibres are flat and longitudinally striated, and united 

 in pairs by their edges. 



The egg of Attacus Atlas is -f^- of a inch long. The 

 larvse moult six times. The cocoon of Attacus Atlas is 

 from two to three inches long, and about one inch wide at 

 the widest part, and weighs two grammes, or the -^th of an 

 ounce. 



Mr. Gosse says, " The colour of the cocoon is a light umber, 

 or drab ; its surface (independently of the impress of leaves) 

 roughly granular, scarcely at all silky or floccose, except at 

 the mouth ; its substance thin, parchmenty, very firm ; the 

 interior very smooth, and even sub-glossy. The upper 

 extremity forms a natural orifice for the exit of the 

 moth, made by the conveyance of a great number of silk- 

 fibres, which are left ungummed, and are thus soft and 

 flossy, the gummed, stiff silk passing up on one side and 

 contracting into the cord. Thus the cocoon is not closed, 

 like those of Bombyx mori, of Telea, of the Antherwa, but 

 open, like those of A. cynthia, of the Samice, of the 

 Saturn/ice. As a result of this structure, the exit of the 

 imago leaves no disturbance behind, no witness, no dis- 

 arrangement of these soft fibres, such as is the case with 

 Yama-mai, Pernyi, and Mylitta (Anthercea mylitta)." 



Mr. Geoghegan states the silk to be difficult to reel, 

 though it reels partially if boiled with vinegar. Captain 

 Hutton says the silk is decidedly good, and Dr. Chavannes, 

 of Lausanne, considers its introduction into France desi- 

 rable. He says the worm is the Fagara of China, where 

 it has long been cultivated. 



A Government Report gives the following particulars 

 with regard to the food plants of the Attacus Atlas: — • 



1. Phakeera (Cinchonacece). 



2. New name, probably a laurel, foliage redolent of 

 prussic acid, fruit like a plum kernel, containing a large 

 portion of oil resembling that of bitter almonds, stature 

 large ; not very common. 



3. A tree resembling the China tea plant, of frequent 



