222 
THE ART OF REARING 
The perfect union of the sexes is indicated by 
the fluttering of the male. 
Much care must be taken in raising the united 
moths. They must be held by the wings, in order 
not to separate them ; and if this happens, they 
must be replaced on the tables of the moths of 
their own sex. 
When one small table is filled with moths in a 
state of union, they are to be carried into a mo- 
derately-sized room, sufficiently airy and fresh, 
and which can be made very dark. These little 
tables are to be placed on the ground, or else- 
where. 
Having employed the first hours of the day in 
selecting and carrying the united moths, the 
males and females which are found separate on 
the tables are to be brought into contact. 
This operation, though tedious, is not difficult ; 
the males and females are alternately raised, and 
put together on other frames, which are carried 
into the dark room. 
At the end of a certain time, it is easy to be 
ascertained if there are more females than males. 
The female is easily distinguished by the greater 
size of its stomach, which is almost as big again 
as that of the male. 
I have also tried this by their weight, 100 males 
weighing 1700 grains, while 100 females weighed 
