204 
THE ART OF REARING 
Whether the laboratory be large or small, the 
produce will always be exactly in the above- 
stated proportion, and will not diminish, let the 
season be ever so unfavourable, if the rules I have 
prescribed are strictly adhered to. 
2. Choosing the Cocoons for the Production of 
the Eggs. 
In the present imperfect state of the art of rearing 
silk-worms, it requires at least, to save the six- 
tieth portion of the cocoons that are gathered. 
This calculation is founded on a series of expe- 
riments which tend to demonstrate it. 
1st. About two ounces of eggs may be saved 
out of one pound and a half of male and female 
cocoons *. 
2d. Generally in different parts of Italy, where 
silk-worms are reared, they only obtain 45 
pounds of cocoons from an ounce of eggs ; and as 
it is a fact, that in the whole country that used to 
form the kingdom of Italy, the value of export of 
silk, and the whole produce of the cocoons, 
amount to above 80 millions; it must appear evi- 
* The author of the article on silk-worms, in the Cours 
d' Agriculture of L'Abbe Rozier, says, that the common 
average is one ounce of eggs from one pound of cocoons. 
The superior difference in the quantity of seed obtained by 
Count Dandolo, is, no doubt, owing to the improved ma- 
nagement of his silk-worms. — (Translator.) 
