INSECTS. 
225 
THE SILKWORM. 
12. The Silkworm, which belongs to the cater- 
pillar tribe, was unknown to the Romans until the 
reign of the emperor Justinian, by whom it was in- 
troduced into Europe. It was originally found in 
China. 
13. It is the larva of a moth of no great beauty, 
but it has, in a commercial view, become a most val- 
uable insect ; affording those delicate and beautiful 
threads that are afterwards woven into silk, and used 
in almost all parts of the world. 
14. In the warm climates of the East, these in- 
sects are left at liberty on the mulberry-trees, where 
they are hatched, and where they form their cocoons 
or cones ; but in cooler countries, they are kept in 
a room with a south aspect, built for the purpose, and 
fed every day with fresh leaves. 
15. The worms are placed on wicker shelves, 
covered with the most tender mulberry-leaves. Near 
the expiration of thirty days, they begin to make 
their cones, after which they prepare for their final 
dissolution. 
16. The cone of silk somewhat resembles a 
pigeon’s egg, and the whole length of the thread 
which it contains will sometimes measure three hun- 
dred yards. 
By whom was the Silkworm introduced into England 7 From 
what country 7 What is said of its value 7 How is it raised in 
warm climates 7 How in cooler countries 7 
