THE REARING OF SILKWORM* 



21 



have the same number of meals to .preserve their equality of growth, 



which is necessary for a successful rearing. 



Having adopted hours for feeding, these >hould be adhered to 

 throughout the rearing. When four meals arc given, the best hour- 

 are 5 to a. m.. 10 to noon. 3 to 6 p. m., and 9 to 11 p. in. 



Toward the sixth day worms begin to cat 1.—. This is a sign that 

 they are going to molt. Then another change of beds and doubling of 

 space are necessary. 



The molt or change of the worm is easily recognized by a -willing 

 of the head, whitening of the skin, transparency of the body, and a 

 fixed position. 



F IG 9._ Perforated paper used in changing beds in the second and third ages. 



To change the beds, proceed as before, only leave undisturbed on 



the old beds the worms that are molting. When all the tardy worms 

 have been taken up and placed on shelves, give them frequent 

 sprinklings of finely cut up leaf to enable them to catch up with 

 the worms already molting. Diminish the feeding a- the backward 

 worms begin to molt, and cease feeding entirely a- soon a- a -ingle 

 worm comes out of the molt. Then wait twenty-four hours SO that 

 the worm- may be well over the change before giving a general meal. 

 In this way the equality of development necessary for a methodical 

 and successful rearing i- maintained. A fast oi twenty-four hour- 

 will not hurt tin 1 advanced worms, while the extra feeding given to 

 the backward ones may enable them to become equal to the former. 

 The beds of the worms on the old litter may be changed when the 

 general meal i> given. 



