COCHINEAL. 
343 
plentifully in many parts of Europe. They ap- 
pear under the form of smooth shining grains of a 
brownish red colour, about the size of peas, and 
covered with a fine brown powder. These grains 
contain the young kermes, which proceed much in 
the same manner as the lac insects, till they attach 
themselves to the young branches, and become the 
receptacles of a future progeny. The harvest of the 
kermes is more or less abundant, according to the 
severity of the winter. They are gathered princi- 
pally by women, and steeped in vinegar in order to 
kill the parent, and thus prevent the exclusion of 
the young animals, which contain the crimson 
liquor. They are then spread on linen and exposed 
to the sun, where they are turned two or three times 
a-day till they become perfectly dry, and are then 
packed for sale. 
It is observed that the scarlet die from this insect 
is much more durable, though less brilliant, than 
that from cochineal. The term scarlet in grain, 
which was given to woollen cloth dyed with kermes, 
originated from the insect having been considered 
as a grain. 
