240 THE ART OF REARING 
that the silk-drawing tubes are finer in these silk- 
worms. 
The cocoons are also better constructed, and to 
this is owing the greater quantity of silk, which 
at equal weight is drawn from these cocoons, 
greater in proportion than that afforded by the 
common cocoons. (Chap. XI Y.) 
All I have stated should tend to shew that this 
variety of the silk-worm should be infinitely more 
cultivated than it hitherto has been ; and those 
who spin silk, knowing the superior quality of 
this silk, should give a higher price for it. Thus 
would trade benefit ; the industry of the cultiva- 
tors would be encouraged, who are commonly 
slow to admit of innovation, and to use disco- 
veries not generally adopted. Besides these ad- 
vantages, there exist some equally important. 
1st. These silk-worms require four days less 
of care than the common silk-worm. 
2nd. Therefore, the mulberry-trees, by being 
stripped sooner, shoot again faster, and resist the 
cold weather better. 
3rd. They afford a saving in time, labour, and 
money. 
4th. They are not so long exposed to accidents 
or contingencies, their life being shorter. 
Some imagine the species to be delicate; it ap- 
peared to me to be strong and vigorous, but of 
