SECTION I. 
THE CATERPILLAR PERIOD. 
As soon in the spring as the mulberry leaves 
have attained sufficient size to be given to the young 
silkworms, which in this climate is about the mid- 
dle of May, the eggs may be brought out from the 
place where they have been kept during the winter, 
and placed in the cocoonery. Keep them out of 
the sun ; the natural temperature will be sufficient 
to hatch them. The direct rays of the sun, or its 
reflection, are found to be injurious to the eggs, the 
worms, and the moths. 
About the ninth day after the eggs have been 
placed in the rearing apartment, or cocoonery, they 
will become lighter in color, and the worms may 
be seen curled up inside. When about to hatch — 
(they usually hatch on the tenth day after they are 
brought into the cocoonery) — they should have 
pieces of white mosquito netting placed over them, 
and on top of this a few white mulberry leaves, 
chopped into small pieces. The worms, as soon as 
hatched, will crawl up through the meshes of the 
mosquito netting on to the leaves, and at once 
begin to eat. They will hatch in the morning 
from daybreak until eight or nine o'clock. 
When first hatched, it is of a black color, 
which is due to a number of hairs with which the 
