MOTH. 
356* 
mains quiet during the appointed time, w hen the 
chrysalis becomes converted to a pei feet moth, and 
the new animal, impatient of confinement, presses 
with its head against the point of the cone ; which, 
being weak in that part, gradually yields to its 
efforts ; the opening becomes sufficiently enlarged, 
and at last the moth comes forth. At the bottom 
of the cone may be found the luins of its former 
state, consisting of the head and entire skin of the 
worm. When first the moth leaves its cell it ap- 
pears exhausted with fatigue, and merely recovers 
its strength to propagate its species ; for the male 
dies soon after his union with the female, woo only 
survives him till she has fulfilled the duty appointed 
her by Providence, in laying the foundation of a 
future progeny. 
Before the moth leaves the cell it discharges a 
liquor that greatly injures the sdk; to prevent 
which, the persons who have the care of silkworms 
collect the cones before the chrysalis contained in 
each is arrived at perfection, and, by exposing tnem 
to a sufficient degree of heat, kill the animal, and 
thus preserve the silk. It is necessary, however, 
to save a few of them to recruit the stock for the 
ensuing year ; but a very small number will be 
sufficient, as one female will sometimes lay above 
five hundred eggs. 
The best cones are strong, without any spots, and 
of a clear colour; those of a bright yellow yield more 
silk than the others; but the pale ones are more 
esteemed, as they take particular colouis better, and. 
