240 THE INSECT WORLD. 
for the purpose, where they are left for about an hour, till their 
wings have fallen flat on their bodies. As soon as they have 
evacuated a red liquor, the 
males and females, which up 
to that time have been apart, 
are put together. 
_ After copulation, they” 
again separate them. They 
stick sheets of paper on 
to screens, putting from 
twenty-five to thirty females 
OCCCOCCCaC on each sheet (Hig. 219). 
= a eae ==z2== It is here the moths lay 
Fig. 218.—Sheet of paper with rows of cocoons pre- their eggs. The sheets of 
pared for the exit of the moths destined for laying eggs. paper, Reread wail egos, 
are then hung on wires, at a small distance from the ceiling of 
a room havihe a northern aspect, which is never warmed. They 
remain thus, exposed to 
all variations of temper- 
ature, till the return of 
the warm weather. We 
will say a few words to 
bring this subject to an 
end, on the winding of 
cocoons and the spinning 
. of silk. 
== |e | The winding of cocoons 
LA is an operation which at 
ECC ee and inclined first sight ap pea Bis 
simple, but which is in 
reality a difficult and delicate process. It requires unremitting 
attention, great experience, and a delicacy of touch which can 
only be found in the fingers of woman, or rather, in the fingers 
of certain women. 
The woman who is spinning, stands before a sort of loom which 
is called tour (Fig. 220). Under her hand is a copper containing 
water, which she heats to the required degree by opening the tap 
of a tube, which brings a current of steam. She plunges the 

























































































































































































