SILK-WORMS. 
307 
ences be what they may, the fair produce of co- 
coons can never fail ; and that the cultivator 
obtains success and profit not by lucky chance, 
but by certain and fixed calculation. 
3. Of the Building destined to keep the Leaves 
of the Mulberry-tree fresh and good. 
According to my idea, the advantage and damage 
has not yet been sufficiently calculated, which 
may arise from the leaf of the mulberry, by its 
proper preservation or neglect, previous to the 
distribution of it to the worms. 
It should be laid on the ground-floor, or in 
cellars, slightly damp, and which may be closed, 
so as only to admit light sufficient to see where 
to put it, to stir it about, sort, and pick it tho- 
roughly. These circumstances are indispensable, 
1st. Because the lower rooms are always 
cooler than the ujDper floors. 
2nd. Because in damp places the leaf is not 
exposed to evaporation, which alters and withers 
it. I have kept it three days in such places as 
I have described ; it diminished but little in 
weight, and was not faded. When it is still 
very succulent (see note in p. 31,) it should be 
laid in layers of two or three inches, that it may 
not alter or ferment. When quite ripe it will 
keep several days, although the layers be above 
a foot deep, provided it has been gathered when 
