SILK-WORMS. 
217 
The life of the moth lasts ten, eleven, or twelve 
days, according to the strength of its constitution 
and the mildness of the atmosphere. A hot tem- 
perature tends to accelerate all the operations 
which nature has destined this insect to execute, 
and also accelerates the desiccation which precedes 
its death. 
This last age requires attentive care. Although 
the moth of the silk-worm has wings similar to 
those of the common race of butterflies, they possess 
not strength to fly and seek a shelter for the eggs 
they wish to deposit, as the flies of all other cater- 
pillars do. (Chap. I.) 
It therefore depends on the industry of man to 
collect and preserve the eggs of the silk-worms, 
and to dispose of them in the most advantageous 
manner for the following year. 
It appears to me to be for the common interest 
of those who rear silk-worms to obtain from their 
own cocoons good eggs, rather than to buy them, 
that they may feel sure of the excellence of the 
eggs. However, few people do this. I will 
therefore shew the ease with which this may be 
effected, and the simple and sure means of obtain- 
ing, for a small sum, a large quantity of the best 
eggs. 
I should imagine there can be but three motives 
which prevent cultivators from preserving the 
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