:s:3 



larval stage spores had lwn applied to lie very strongly alfeeted by the fungi, 

 especially by A. flavus, and also their cocoons. 



with the spores and of those, mi whoso spiracles the spore- had bvn rubbed 



After .some ten days there was observed a luxuliant growth of the fungi 

 on that of the hirvse, fed on mulbeny leaves with the sp.res and only a 

 very weak development of fungi on that of the larva*, whose spiracles had 

 been rubbed with the spores. It is very prolxiblo that in the latter case the 

 fungi developed had not come from the spores on the spiracles. 



I have also made an experiment to see whether or not the germ- of 

 these fungi are commonly flouting in the air of the rearing room, and have 

 found them to be there. 



Conclusions ; — 



1) Cocoon fungus ("Uchikabi") is chiefly due to the attack of two 

 parasitic fungi, Aspergillus flavus and A. glaucus, and of the former mere 



2) The germs of these fungi are actually floating in the air of the 



3) The fungi seem to obtain entrance into the lame through the spiracles 

 rather than through the mouth. 



4) The eooon fungus thus seems to l>egin in the Wy of the pupa and 

 thence extend gradually to the cocoon, where it finally makes its way to the 



•V) The spores of these fungi do not lose their vitality on passing through 

 the alimentary canal of the silkworm. 



(>) Desiccation for eight hours at the temperature .of 7U ' — i ■» C, is 

 not efficient for killing the spores of the fungi. 



Sericultural Experiment Statioi 

 Nishigahara, Tokyo, Japan, 

 May 9th, 1897. 



