154 
THE ART OF REARING 
and thus more speedily prepares the fermentation 
of the excremental substances. 
2d. That the result of wet leaves further is, to 
make the interior air damper and more mephitic, 
and requires more care and attention. 
3d. That the more strong and healthy the worms 
are in the fifth age, the better they will resist the 
pernicious effect of damp leaves, not properly 
dried ; but should they attain the fifth age, in a 
weak and sickly state, the leaves would require to 
be of very good qu ality, and quite dry 
4. Of the rearing of Silk worms until the approach 
of their Maturity. 
It is now time to bring the worms to the period 
when theyj prepare to rise, and when they reject 
the food which they had lately so voraciously de- 
voured. 
First Day of the Fifth Age. 
(Twenty-third of the Rearing of the Silk-worm.) 
Since the preceding day, almost all the silk- 
worms jnust have accomplished their fourth moult- 
ting, or casting of skin, and be already roused. 
The laboratory should have uniformly 68°, or 
69|° of heat. 
The silk-worms proceeding from five ounces of 
eco-s, until the termination of their fifth age, should 
occupy 917 feet of wicker ti-ays, or 183 feet 5 
inches for each ounce of eggs. 
