SILK-WORMS. 
109 
distribute the food with both hands, and thus 
feed two trays of worms at once by standing on 
high steps or ladders. (Figs. 20, 21.) 
The weight of all the litter of the second age 
is of about 21 pounds. If the leaves have been 
thoroughly eaten, the dark excrement weighs 
alone about six pounds. It must be observed, 
however, that the degree of moisture of this sub- 
stance makes the weight differ. 
As from the close of the first age to the accom- 
plishment of the second, 90 pounds of mulberry 
leaves have been distributed upon the hurdles, it 
is evident that 69 pounds of leaves have nou- 
rished these insects, and have exhaled in evapo- 
ration. 
After two or three meals this day, there is a 
very sensible change in the silk-worms. They 
are much larger, their muzzle is grown longer, 
and their colour clearer. 
Second Day of the Third Age. 
(Eleventh of the Rearing- of the Silk-worm.) 
This day 90 pounds of picked leaves, chopped, 
will be needed. 
The two first meals the least copious, because 
towards the close of the day the silk-worms grow 
voraciously hungry. 
The strips should be widened whenever they 
are fed, to allow them room. 
