SILK-WORMS. 
203 
When the cocoons are detached from the 
bushes, the down, or floss, in which the silk-worms 
have formed the cocoon, should be lightly and 
quickly taken oft’. 
Beginning at sun-rise, and working till four 
o’clock p.m., twelve persons will be sufficient to 
gather 600 pounds weight of cocoons from the 
bushes, clean them, and spread them on the 
wicker hurdles. 
As soon as this is done, the cocoons may be put 
into baskets; if they are for sale, they must be 
weighed and sent off to the purchaser. Before 
they are removed the sheets of paper, walls, wood- 
work, and all holes and corners, should be well 
searched, in which the silk-worms can have made 
their cocoons ; if any are found, they should be 
taken off, and well cleaned, before they are 
mixed with the rest, that they may all be equally 
fine. 
It will always appear that the quantity or 
weight of the cocoons is in exact proportion to the 
space of the wicker hurdle which the silk-worms 
have occujfied. 
Following the method I have recommended, 
from 183 feet 4 inches square of wicker, upon 
which have been reared the silk-worms proceeding* 
from one ounce of eggs, these will produce about 
112 to 127 pounds of cocoons of the very best 
quality. 
