# BOMBYX MORI. 
together twenty-four hours, when they should be separated 
by taking the wings of the female in one hand, and gently 
pressing the body of the male with the other, and drawing 
them apart. After this the males may be cast aside. As 
soon as separated the female will discharge a reddish or 
yellow fluid, they should then be placed upon trays covered 
with pieces of white cotton cloth on which they are to lay 
their eggs. They will commence laying soon after being 
separated, and in twenty-four hours all the impregnated eggs 
will have been deposited. A natural gum exudes with the 
egg, which fastens it to the cloth and enables the young 
worm to eat its way out more readily. The moth being a 
nocturnal insect should be kept in a dark room, and given 
plenty of air. Having no jaws the moths never eat but will 
live a number of days. 
Care of the Eggs. 
m 
HEN first deposited the eggs are yellow. If impreg- 
nated they soon change to various hues, and finally 
become and remain a dark gray. The cloths on 
W^W* J which the eggs are laid should remain from twelve 
to twenty days, during which time the bivoltins will hatch 
out, as there are always some of these in every lot of eggs. 
These worms if not fed will soon die, but if fed will produce 
another crop. They require the same treatment as the annuals. 
The remaining eggs will all be annuals, and must be pre- 
served for next year's crop. Roll these cloths carefully 
together and place in tin boxes ; two or more sides must be 
perforated to admit air, and the holes protected by fine wire 
netting. If kept in close boxes the eggs would spoil. 
They must be kept in a cool room or dry cellar, and examin- 
ed occasionally to see that the eggs do not become mildewed. 
The temperature should never be allowed to rise above forty 
degrees, but may be allowed to sink to freezing point with- 
out injury. Great care must be taken as the weather grows 
warm, to prevent hatching before the leaves appear. 
