10 BOMBYX MORI. 
the old skin is gradually worked back until cast off. Tha 
first shedding takes place in this climate, three or four days 
after hatching. The time between each molt — termed ages 
—is usually from four to six days. If the worms are feeble 
the old skin will sometimes remain at the extremity of the 
body, and harden, being unable to cast it off they will soon 
die. During these molts they should not be disturbed by 
cleaning or changing the trays. Sudden draughts of air 
should be avoided. Very little food is required, some 
writers say that they will do very well for a day or two 
without any, until all in the same tray have passed through 
this sickness. This explains the importance of having all 
in a tray of an age, so that they will molt at the same 
time. 
Separating or Thinning Out. 
]S the worms increase in size they will gradually 
require more room, being at the last age, twenty 
times as large as at first. They must always have 
W§®& plenty of room to feed, without crowding each other. 
When separating them, place a tray strewn with fresh leaves 
over the worms ; as soon as enough have crawled through to 
properly fill the tray, remove it, and replace by another to 
receive the rest of the worms. Sick or diseased worms may 
easily be detected at this time, they should be instantly 
removed and thrown away, also any which have died. 
Diseases. 
|ILK WORMS are subject to various diseases; the most 
common of these, in this climate, being a kind of 
jaundice. The worm becomes discolored, assuming a 
greenish hue, which turns finally to a bright yellow. 
Dark spots appear about the head, the body is swollen and 
exudes a yellow fluid. There is no cure known for this or 
any of the diseases to which the worms are subject; but 
cleanliness, pure air, and the immediate removal of the 
diseased worms, will prevent its spreading. It is advisable 
to wash the shelves and trays with very dilute carbolic acid 
or any other disinfectant. Too great heat with damp or 
foul air, over-crowding, and unwholesome food, are the chief 
causes of disease. 
