338 
ON THE PRODUCTION OF 
(montte), easily reaches the laths between which it is 
to make its cocoon. I use exclusively Davril's system 
of claies which have been in general use in France for 
a long time past, and have the double advantage of 
allowing a free circulation of air and sufficient space 
for the silkworm to make its cocoon conveniently, and 
likewise of avoiding the annoyance attendant on the 
use of bunches of heather, which cause much damp, by 
interfering with the cleansing process (de'litements) , so 
important during the last days, prevent the circulation 
of air, and are exposed to the risk of fire. 
There would be no difficulty in arranging two 
parallel rows of double claies, provided they are 
separated by a gangway 4 feet 6 inches wide ; but I 
would not advise a greater number to be used. With two 
rows of tables the external air comes in freely over the 
silkworms, which cannot be the case if there are more. 
By the open-air education the worms become more 
vigorous naturally, but they are also more disposed to 
crawl away ; therefore a piece of muslin, or tulle, must 
be fixed on each claie, under the lower one, and at the 
two ends against the echelettes which divide the 
spaces, which, in no way intercepting the current of 
air, prevents the worms from decamping at the time 
of recovery from moulting, before the first meal, 
and especially at the mounting period. The worms in 
each compartment rest on a movable frame, having a 
piece of fine calico stretched over it ; at each cleansing 
(delitement) this cloth is to be shaken clear of all 
litter, the process being thus facilitated. These frames 
are to be two feet square ; there will then be sufficient 
space between the echelettes and the frame to enable 
one to take it up conveniently. 
