CLEANING THE SHELVES AND TRAYS. 9 
Cleaning the Shelves and Trays. 
EFORE placing' the trays on the shelves, cover each 
shelf with paper, so that when cleaned the trays may 
^lil be lifted up, and the paper drawn out with all the 
G^gr litter which should be shaken oft' and the paper- 
replaced. This must be done every day. When necessary 
the trays must be changed to remove the old leaves and 
other refuse. While the worms are small, this is done by 
having pieces of white netting* the size of the trays, these 
may have strips of stiff paper or cardboard sewed around 
the edges so that in handling, the worms will not fall into 
the middle. Lay these over the trays and strew with fresh 
leaves. The worms will soon crawl through and commence 
feeding. Then take up the netting by the corners and place 
in a fresh tray. Shake the refuse from the tray and the 
netting the worms have left, and air for next days use. 
When the worms have outgrown the netting, use the trays 
only. If they do not leave the old food readily, they may 
be removed with a leaf, a straw, or a cameP.s hair brush. The 
frequency of changing the trays depends much upon the 
weather. If damp, the litter soon becomes offensive, and 
must be removed. It is not necessary to change the trays 
before the first molt. Alter this it should be done every 
two or three days, until the last two ages, when it is absolutely 
necessary that the worms be changed every day. The 
necessity of cleanliness cannot be too strongly impressed. 
If the trays should become foul, or the air of the room 
impure, sickness will be the result. Especial care should 
be taken in the last stages, as the worm is more liable to 
disease. at this time. 
Molting or Casting the Skin. 
pitoHE silkworms shed their skins four times, which are to 
(tm P| them periods of sickness. At these times they lose 
g^gj their appetite and appear drowsy, attach themselves 
^%$P to leaves or branches, and stand half erect, moving their 
heads from side to side. The new head first appears and 
^Perforated cardboard to be used instead of netting, also models of 
fi new arrangement for the worms to spin in, which will be found a 
great convenience, will be furnished by the publisher at moderate 
prices.. 
