SF 545 
 .C27 
 Copy 1 
 
 Practical Method 
 
 -)FOR THE(— 
 
 CULTIVATION OF 
 
 MULBERRY TREES, 
 
 RAISING OF 
 
 SILK WORMS, COCOONS, Etc. 
 
 BY 
 
 CARERA, HUBER & CO. 
 
 NEW V O R K . 
 
 A. Carigliano, Printer, Publisher & Translator. 
 
 280 MOTT STREET. 
 
Practical Method 
 
 — )FOR THE(— 
 
 CULTIVATION OF 
 
 MULBERRY TREES, 
 
 RAISING OF 
 
 SILK WORMS, COCOONS, Etc. 
 
 OARERA, HUBER & CO. 
 
 N E \V V O R K. 
 
 A. Carigliano, Printer. Publisher & Translator. 
 
 280 MOTT STREET. 
 

 Entered according to Act of Congress in the year 1868 by 
 Carera, Huber & Co., in the Office of the Librarian of Congress 
 in Washington, 
 
PREFACE. 
 
 As many of our ])atrons have addressed letters to us, 
 asking for information and advice, in regard to the culture 
 of the mulberry tree and the care of the silk-worm, and 
 knowing full well the impossibility of answering all parties 
 <oncerned individually, we have decided to compile the 
 ^tresent pamphlet, wherein all the necessary information 
 may be obtained. 
 
 And by so doing we flatter ourselves, that we will thus 
 become useful to our patrons, in promoting the increase of 
 this newly - started industry in this country, which we are 
 assured, will, in a very short time, develop considerably, 
 owing principally to climate, soil, and the intelligence and 
 industry of the American people. 
 
 New York, Dec. 1883. The Authors, 
 
 CARERA HUBER & CO. 
 
 152 Wooster Street. 
 
MULBERRY TREE CULTURE. 
 
 Its origin. 
 
 The mulberry tree (niorus) was discovered as an indig- 
 enous plant, in Bengal, India, and in the Chinese Empire. 
 The importation of the black mulberry (morus nigra) into 
 Europe IS lost in the records of history; that of the white 
 mulberry (morus alba) is of a more recent dale — between 
 the years 350 and 400 of the Christian Era. 
 
 The mulberry tree requires a climate similar to that 
 of a vine, and will perish at a temperature below 10 
 degrees. This tree is not suited to that climate, where, 
 afier its leaves are gathered in spring, the mean temperature 
 is not, for three months at least 50. At 65 degrees the 
 leaves fully develoj). In order that the tree may i)roduce 
 the requisite (juantity of leaves, it is necessary that, from 
 the time in which it begins to -bud to that in which the 
 temi)erature, after the heat of summer is lowered to 70 
 degrees, may receive at least 15,000 degrees cf heat. Every 
 branch we may imagine to be divided into three parts, viz.? 
 the interior, or hard wood, which feels entirely the heat of sum- 
 mer; the middle, or green wood, which grows during the last 
 heat of summer, and the beginning of autumn; and the supe- 
 rior i)art, or bark. Hence, in a temi)erate climate, during 
 the blasts and colds of winter, only the bark, or the tip of 
 the branch, will be affected. 
 
— 6 — 
 
 How to select a Mulberry Tree 
 
 In the manner of selecting mulberry trees, we do not 
 choose those plants which are too big neither do we choose 
 very large leaves, but those trees that grovv gradual and 
 regular, thus guaranteeing their tenacity and durability — a 
 tree pleasing to the eyes, and profitable to the purse of the 
 growers. We have also in view, in our selection of plants, 
 to choose those best adapted to the different localities. 
 
 There are a great varieties of mulberry trees; but the 
 grower must select those whose leaves are larger and most 
 consistent; by thus doing accruing larger profits to himself 
 by raising a better ipiality, and a larger quantity of cocoons. 
 The principal species of mulberry trees are the black and 
 white. • 
 
 The black mulberry tree (morus nigra) was imported 
 into Italy and Spain, from Greece and Sicily. Its fruit is 
 black and sweet, and was eaten by people long before it was 
 thought of using its leaves as food for the silk- worm. Its 
 organization being robust, its bark thick and woody, its fibres 
 close, its vegetation less precocious, all seem to be in har- 
 mony with a late spring in a cold climate, and clearly 
 indicate, that, thougii the tree is an indigenous of warm 
 climates, it can also thrive in colder ones. The silk - worm 
 feeds well on its leaves, though the silk produced is not of a 
 fi le quality. 
 
 The white mulberry tree (morus alba)is of more recent 
 importation, as previously stated, and is only suitable for 
 warm climates. The silk -worm that feeds on its leaves 
 produces a better quality of silk, By ingrafting the two 
 
— 7 — 
 
 species a new jjlant is reproduced suitable for any clime. 
 
 There is also another kind of mulberry tree, that of 
 the Philippine Islands called "morus cuculata or multicaule,'" 
 on account of the many shoots that spring up from the base 
 of the trunk. It was discovered by Perrotet and Matrilla, 
 in those islands and introduced in Europe in 182 1, first in 
 France, and afterwads in Italy. Its leaves are very large 
 and easily torn by the wind. In structure is less consistent 
 than the other two species, and its roots are easly preyed 
 upon by squirrels. It is propagated by seed or ingrafting. 
 The leaves being formed early in the season, the feeding of 
 the silk-worms will become earlier. 
 
 The principal varieties obtained by the seed of the white 
 mulberry tree are the following: the " Si)agno-R('man, 
 that of Tuscany, the Morettiano, rosea, Male Piramidales 
 and ibridis." 
 
 Propagation of the Mulberry Tree. 
 
 The propagation of the mulberry tree is ordinarily 
 accomjilished by its seed. The plant must be vigorous and 
 the seed gathered from branches two years old. But, as the 
 mulberry is not a plant that bears herm()])hrodite flowers, 
 but only the male and female, separated from each other, 
 and often the female abounding, care should be taken, that 
 on the same, or a neighboring plant, be found male flowers, 
 otherwise the seed will not produce fruit. 
 
 The gathering of tlie fruits should be actomjjlished 
 by shaking the tree, so as to collect only the ripe ones. The 
 
fruits are placed in a receptacle containing water, and 
 are tliere mashed, to separate the seed from the i)ulp. The 
 good seed being heavier, will fall to the bottom of the 
 receptacle, and the bad ones will float. The water is then 
 ])Oured off leaving the good seed at the bottom. And in this 
 manner of manipulation, only the good seeds will remain. 
 They are then dried in an airy and shady place. 
 
 To keep the seeds until spring, put them in dry sand, 
 and keep in a place free from dampness and airy. The seed 
 that is kept over a year will lose its strength. The best 
 time to sow the seed is in June, but care should be taken to 
 keep the seed always shaded from the rays of the sun. For 
 this purpose straw or dry leaves are strewn on tlie earth 
 over them. 
 
 The soil selected should be well worked and freed 
 from weeds and small stones. More than manure a soft soil 
 is needed. Divide your field into squares and in these 
 squares dig four furrows, one foot apart, and about, i^ inch 
 (0,03 centm.) deep. 
 
 The seed should be put in the soil by scattering. 
 Between the furrows another one is to be kept open, about 
 one foot (o, 25 centm.) wide, for the workman to pass, and to 
 allow the jilant more scope to grow. 
 
 During the growth of the plant the soil should be kept 
 constantly free from weeds and well-raked, — to keep the 
 ground open, and this must be done until the plant has at- 
 tained a height of about 8 inches (20 cent.) 
 
 After the shoots have sprung up, the proper distance ol 
 one from the other should be }4 foot (10 centimtr.) All the 
 others should be uprooted and planted at that distance. 
 
— 9 — 
 
 Planting. 
 
 The soil best adapted for the mulberry tree must be 
 of a calcareous and argillaceous nature, dry and deep, and 
 not altogether devoid of organic matter. 
 
 Before the planting of the shoots, the soil should be 
 worked to the dejith of at least 2 feet, and it must be done 
 before the winter sets in, so as to allow the earth to accpiire 
 the strengtii necessary for vegetation. 
 
 In opening tlie furrows, the superficial strata should be 
 kept apart from the lower one, and freed from all small 
 ^^tones and lubbish. The best time to open the furrows is in 
 August. 
 
 Before planting the young shoots, care should be taken 
 that all decayed portions of their roots be carefully trim- 
 med. The trunk should be cut about half a foot from the 
 ground, to give vigor to the roots. 
 
 In setting out the shoots, keep the roots free and spread 
 them out well; next take a small thin piece of wood, about 
 the height of the shoot, to be used as a means of supi)ort, and 
 grasping them both with the left hand, fill in evenly the 
 earth about the roots with the right, 
 
 The superficial earth should be placed upon the surface? 
 leaving about the plant a small circular cavity sufficient to 
 retain water to assist the vegetation. 
 
 Always bear in mind the fact, that the roots should not 
 be buried too deep in the earth. 
 
 The first thing to be done after planting the shoots is 
 u> prune them at the height of 4 inches (locentm.) from the 
 ground, placing the cut-off portion of the shoot alongside 
 
— 10 — 
 
 the plant, so as to mark the spot. Next is to free the shoots 
 with the hands or with a sharp instrumtnt, of all buds, after 
 the third week of their vegetation with the exception of the 
 best and more vigorous one, which is generally found near 
 the ground. Of this latter, the utmost care should be taken. 
 
 In establishing a nursery the shoots are to be placed 
 four feet (one meter) ai)art; but planting them for good the 
 distance from trunk to trunk should be at least i6 to 24 feet 
 (8 meters.) 
 
 When the shoots reaches to the height ofone or two feet, 
 buds spring forth from along its trunk. These should be 
 let alone, as they are essential to the development of the 
 roots. 
 
 No matter how good the soil may be, it is extremely 
 difficult that the shoots reach in one year to the desirable 
 height — not less than six and no more than eight feet. In 
 that case pruning is necessary using all care, and exercising 
 all attention to the young plant. 
 
 But if they develop well, leave them alone; only keep the 
 soil free from weeds and rake it two or three times a year. 
 If however, after a second pruning, the shoots do not de- 
 velop as they should, the tree will be of an inferior quality. 
 
 When the shoots have arrived to the height of sIk or 
 eight feet — which is generally in their second year — proceed 
 to the formation of their branches. Only when the trunk 
 of the shoots has acquired a circumference of from 45 to 6 
 inches it is fit to be transplanted from the nursery, the holes 
 for this purpose should be four feet deep by four feet wide 
 and at least 16 to 24 feet distant from each other. 
 
 In spring the vertical branch must be cut. Only four 
 
— 11 — 
 
 or five well develo])ed buds are kept on which the ingrafting 
 is to be done on the following spring. Once the top (head) 
 of the shoot being well formed, no further care need be taken 
 of it, except in pruning the su|)erfluous branches. 
 
 If the wild mulberr}' produces large and good leaves, 
 no ingrafting should be made. 
 
 The number of buds to be left on the shoot must be 
 limited to the number of branches required. 
 
 Ingrafting. 
 
 If perchance the mulberry plant possesses large and 
 abundant leaves, and shows a well - developed growth, no 
 ingrafting should take place, because instead of improving, 
 it would deteriorate the species. 
 
 To ingraft at the foot of the shoot is not advantageous 
 in cold climates. In temperate climates it is most convenient 
 in those parts exposed to the rays of the sun, and j^ro- 
 tected from the winds of the north; and the variety which is 
 ingrafted must not be of the primitive white mulberry. In 
 cold climates it is essentially necessary; for the branches of 
 the wild mulberry make a better resistance to th.e colds of 
 winter, and, it often happens, that if the ingrafted portion 
 belongs to the white species, and the ingrafting is done at 
 the foot of the tree, the tree itself will perish, while if done 
 on the branches, even if bad, can always be made anew. 
 
 The most favorable time for ingrafting is, without 
 doubt, in the spring, and a good season must be selected, 
 
12 
 
 that will [promise many days of favorable weather. The 
 month of May, and the beginning of June are the two 
 months favorable for ingrafting mulberry trees. The ing- 
 rafting by bandages is preferrable to all other systems. 
 
 But ingrafting by sprigs can be performed indifferently 
 either on small or large branches. 
 
 The care of Grafted Trees. 
 
 Until we are perfectly assured of the good success of 
 the ingrafting at the foot of the tree in this cold American 
 climate, it is necessary, to facilitate the development, to set 
 the tree in a place well-protected — near a wall for instance, 
 if possible — and exposed to the south, south-east, or south- 
 west, and in a soil well- manured and well - worked. 
 
 These trees will begin to vegetate at the foot. Only 
 the best sprig should be kept, the others destroyed; also, 
 the old trunk, above the sprig, should be cut off. 
 
 The mulberry trees which are transplanted m autumn 
 should be buried first in a ditch; not in bundles, but disposed 
 one by one, in a position a little inclined — oblique — and 
 left there until the propitious season to plant again arrives. 
 
 This earth-bath, given to the young plant, will impart 
 to it vigor and new life. It must be borne in mind, however, 
 that very little of the shoot should be left above ground. 
 
 The best ingrafting is obtained from the following 
 species: 
 
 The low mulberry, "ce])paia" (block - like;) "spalliera" 
 (Espalier;) and "castello" (castle - like.) 
 
— 13 — 
 
 'I'hc l)ranchfs cut in winter, and placed in dry sand, in 
 a cellar, are good for ingrafting wild mulberrys. 
 
 'I'he i)runing must be done in accordance with the age 
 of the tree, its vigor, the nature of the so.l and climate. No 
 leaves should be gathered until after the sixth year of its 
 growth; for if before that time, only 28 or 30 lbs. (14 or 15 ki- 
 logr.) of leaves will be gathered, while if not githered during 
 these six years the tree will yield more than 40 lbs. (20 kilogr.) 
 of leaves. 
 
 In sandy soil the ramification should be lept rather 
 short. The pruning must be accomplished every two or 
 three years, and never in summer. 
 
 The mulberrv tree is endowed with long life, even in 
 cold climates. In its wild stat'^ it reaches the age of 300 
 and more years, but when ingrafted it does not live so 
 long — less than 100 years. 
 
 The reasons for this are the following: 
 
 1st. By ingrafting, the branches being more porous 
 and less strong, are more liable to suffer by the inclemency 
 of the weather and other causes. 
 
 2nd. By gathering the leaves every year, thus leav- 
 ing the plant for ten or twelve days without respiratory 
 organs, and the roots must necessarily suffer. 
 
 3rd. By badly executed pruning. To avoid this, it is 
 always to be done longitudinally on the trunk of the tree, 
 and on that side more exposed to the sun. Care should 
 also be taken to remove the sap, which is not absorbed by 
 the branches or leaves. 
 
 4th. By not working the ground properly, using the 
 
— 14 _^ 
 
 plow or spade carelessly, cutting off the superficial roots oi 
 the plant, which are essential to its well-being. 
 
 5th. By sowing near the mulberry tree any phinr 
 that spreads its roots too wide, thus extracting the greater 
 portion of the tree's nutriment. 
 
 6th. If the soil is not deep enough, and devoid of the 
 qualities essential to the growth of the mulberry tree. 
 
 7th. The frosts in spring, the droughts in summer, and 
 the excessive colds of winter, preceded by do\vnpourings, 
 and followed by a sudden rise in temperature, all combine 
 to impede the growth and deteriorate the quality of the 
 mulberry. 
 
 8th. And lastly, all thai can affect a plant, as insects^ 
 squirrels, and many other small animals ihat feed on 
 roots. 
 
 The quality and quantity of the croj) varies according to 
 climate, the age of the tree, the soil, manner of pruning, etc., 
 and will, most always, be affected by some of the above 
 mentioned causes- 
 
 The leaves of the wild mulberry are belter food, in the 
 beginning, for the silk-worms, being more dry. When 
 the mulberry reaches a certain age, it must be shorn of many 
 of its branches, to maintain eipnlibrium between branches and 
 roots, and the plant in consequence will produce less leaves. 
 
 Manure. 
 
 Which will be the best manure for the mulberrys.'' As 
 chemical analysis has shown us which is the best adapted 
 
— 15 — 
 
 soil for planting, so it will also guide us in selecting the best 
 manure. 
 
 According to the analysis of the mineral mattercontain- 
 t.'d in the leaves and trunk of the mulberry, it is found that 
 the trunk contains more lime, while the leaves more ])otash, 
 ])hosphoiic and azotic acids. So that the best manure for 
 this plant is that which furnishes lime, jjotash, phos]ihoric 
 acid, and is not devoid of azotic substances, to develo]) the 
 leaves. 
 
 The best manure for young trees is from the decom- 
 ])Osition of \egetable matter. 
 
 And if this decomposition could take place in the ditch 
 where the shoot is to l)e planted so much the better. Decayed 
 limbs of fruit - bearing trees or any vegetable matter ])laced 
 "in the ditch increase the strength of the shoot. 
 
 The effect of manure on the )ilant, being by emanation 
 ■ )r absorption, the more the emanation or absor])tion, the 
 l)etter will l»e the result. It is for this reason, that the 
 mulberry, planted where manure is kept, thrives most 
 vigorously, for there the organic and inorganic ])rinciples 
 essential to its development are found. 
 
 Production or the Mulberry Tree provided the 
 Leaves are not gathered before the sixth vear. 
 
 AGE. product in LEAVES. 
 
 6 years old Lbs. lo. 
 
 lo' " " 30. 
 
 20 '■' '' 50. 
 
 30 " '' 100. 
 
 50 " . - " 160. 
 
— 16 — 
 
 Brief Method for Silk- Worm Culture. 
 
 PRELIMINARY REMARK ABOU'l SILK- 
 WORMS AND COCOONS. 
 
 The silk-worms belong to the numerous family of the 
 "Bruchi." Their existence is classed into three periods ; 
 larva chrysalis, and butterfly. However they are not 
 perfect inserts, and are incapable of reproducing their own 
 sjjecies, except in their last period of existence, and feed 
 only in the first. 
 
 During the first period, they change their skin fre- 
 quently, in the other their skin changes only when passing 
 from the chrysalis to the butterfly state. 
 
 It seems Nature has placed animated beings there,- 
 where food for their existence is abundantly provided. So 
 the silk -worm is found to be indigenous to Bengal and 
 the Chinese Empire, as is also the mulberry tree, on whose 
 branches it was first discovered. 
 
 The silk - worm belongs to the "Genus Bombyx", and 
 to the species of the mulberry, as its name in natural his- 
 tory, "Bombyx Mori," implies. 
 
 At present great varieties of silk-worms are known; 
 some by the changing of their skin, during their first period 
 of existence, and are called "mute;" some by hatching their 
 eggs once, or several times, during the year, and are called 
 "Bivoltini, Trivoltini, and Polivoltini," and some by the 
 volume and color of the cocoons. 
 
 These varieties and species of silk-worms are known, 
 and cultivated in Europe. 
 
— 17 — 
 
 The most diffused, and the most cultivated in Italy is 
 that called the "Quattro Mute," or Four Changes, whose 
 eggs are not capable of development except once a year, and 
 whose cocoons are yellow, white, and green and of other 
 1 ok)rs blending with all the above. 
 
 The life of these insects is divided into five e^jochs, 
 "vvliich are called ages. The first four ages arc read- 
 ily discerned by the insect changing its skin. During the 
 fifth age the insect begins tlie spinning of the cocoon. 
 IMie silk is derived from the cocoons, which are composed 
 of very slender threads, varying in lengtii from 1,400 to 
 a .600 feet (400 to 500 metres.) 
 
 The other two stages of life include only two periods. 
 The first, that of the chrysalis, the second, that of the but- 
 terfly; and this last period continues until the two sexes meet 
 t(i reproduce their own s])ecies, by depositing their eggs. 
 
 In the stage of larva, the silk - worm breathes by 18 
 little tubes, or tracheas (wind pipes,) which communicate 
 with the exterior air, l)y as many little holes evenly 
 divided on each side of its body near the feet. 
 
 The insect, larva, does not possess sexual organs. 
 
 Once the larva begins to feed, it remains immovable, 
 until the moment arri\es for the sjjinning of the ( ocoon. 
 In the state of chrysalis it is apparently dead. Shut up in 
 a cartilaginous vagina, within the cocoon, it possesses no 
 other movement but a lateral one, at the lower end of the 
 body, which shows the only sign of life. 
 
 As a butterfly it possesses a respiratory organic system. 
 ( hily one trachea, eyes, sexual organs; and the female, ovaries. 
 The male is possessed of an amorous dis])Osition toward 
 
— 18 — 
 
 propagating the species, cohabiting for four days, if dis- 
 turbed, he immediately seeks another female whom he ap- 
 proaches with pristine impetus. 
 
 The female is more home-like and modest though not 
 less transported toward the propagating of its species. She 
 lays between 300 and 400 eggs. 
 
 Theoretical and Practical Principles 
 for the Culture of Silk- Worms 
 
 Nature is the best teacher. Hence, by following the 
 teachings of Nature in the culture of the silk - worm the 
 best results will be attained. 
 
 The cultivator should keep his silk- worms in an airy 
 place, which must also be kept clean; taking away the old 
 leaves, and providing the worms abundantly with new ones, 
 fresh and good. The principal thing the cultivator should 
 do, is to supply himself with an abundant stock of eggs, 
 which must be laid by butterflies, and pronounced good after 
 a microscopical examination. 
 
 Preservation of Eggs. 
 
 The eggs are to be kept in a room well-aired, and dry, 
 and exposed, if possible, to the north. The temperature 
 in winter must not be above 7 or 8 degrees Reaumur (about 
 
— 19 — 
 
 40 Fahr.) Frost is more cong enial to the eggs, than otherwise- 
 But the changes of temperature are to be feared, especially 
 from the beginning of February 
 
 Incubation. 
 
 About the time when the mulberry tree begins to bud 
 the eggs acquire a temperature of lo to ii degrees Reau- 
 mur, (about 53 Fahr.) and incubation soon takes place when 
 the temperature is increased to 12 or 13 degrees, about 55 
 Fahr. upwards, to 18 degrees Reaumur [about 65 Fahr.] 
 
 This temperature is to be kept constant and the air 
 should be a little moist, to produce the opening of the 
 eggs. It is most important to avoid a lowering of temperat- 
 ure, during incubation, if a good quality of silk- worms is 
 to be desired. 
 
 Nursing. 
 
 I St. Age. As soon as the little silk - worms are 
 born, they are to be gathered on a fresh, tender leaf of the 
 mulberry, and thus placed on clean sheets of paper, obser- 
 ving that the silk-worms obtained from 10 grams of weight in 
 eggs, when they reach at the end of this age, they must 
 cover a superficial area of 9 square feet. They are to be 
 kept as much as possible, to a temperature of 17 or 18 
 degrees Reaumur, (about 75 Fh.) and fed with well - chopped 
 
— 20 — 
 
 up leaves every two or three hours; that is, nine or twelve 
 times in every 24 hours. 
 
 The day previous to the first change, that is, when the 
 worm's head begins to enUrrge, all the refuse leaves should 
 be removed, and a very light feeding given toe the worms. 
 Even when they are sick, keeping them to the same hours, 
 as previously stated, in feeding, to prevent the suffering I)y 
 hunger for those that have not reached such an advanced 
 stage. But when many have reached this stage, then a 
 suspension in the manner of feeding is necessary, to equalize 
 their quality and growth; and in this way we must also act 
 during the three other changes of skin. 
 
 Observing that as soon as the worm shows signs of 
 life, from the state of torpor in which it lies, it can be kept 
 without food for 24 hours or longer, without any inconve- 
 nience. 
 
 This first age lasts six days, and, during this interval 
 they consume about 7 pounds (3 kilogs.) of leaves. 
 
 2nd. Age. During this age they may be fed once 
 upon the same bed on which they slept upon in the first 
 age, and then transported by means of mulberry sprigs, 
 to another place, where new, clean sheets of paper are 
 spread; and, at the end of the age, must occupy a space 
 of 18 square feet (2 metres square ) 
 
 The temperature, feeding, and treatment, must be 
 exactly the same as in the first age. The second 
 age lasts four days, the worms consume about 15 pounds 
 (7 kilogr.) of leaves. 
 
 3d. Age. During this age, which will last five 
 days, the same treatment above stated must be followed, 
 
— 21 — 
 
 with this exception only: to place the worms ui)on a new or 
 larger bed, so as to occupy a space 27 feet square (3 metres 
 squaie-) They will consume now about 42 pounds (20 kil.) 
 of leaves. 
 
 4th. Age. By following these rules carefully, the 
 worms, 15 days from the time of their birth, will enter their 
 fourth period. They must now occupy a space of about 
 65 square feet [7 metres sq.] They will reach this age in 
 7 days. The worms being now more vigorous, and better 
 developed, the leaves may be given whole, and not chopped; 
 and the feeding can be reduced to 6 times in every 24 
 hours. If the temperature should increase more than 17 
 degrees Reaumur, (about 75 Fahr.) windows and doors 
 should be ojjened. If it should fall below 16 degrees 
 Reaumur (about 65 Fahr.) a fire should be made. But good 
 ventilation, and the same temperature should always be 
 maintained. l"he worms will consume during this age, 
 132 pounds (60 kilogr.) of leaves. 
 
 5th. Age. From the state of torpor in the fourth 
 age, the worms awake to the fifth. They must now be 
 distributed over a space double that of the fourth age 
 about 140 sq. ft. (15 metres sq.) During the eighth or ninth 
 day at most, first, some few, and finally all, will begin to 
 spin their cocoons, and crawl about on the dry stems of the 
 leaves, which must be previously placed, broom-like, all 
 along the feeding ground. 
 
 In this age they must be kept scrupulously clean, 
 and, every day, their bed should be changed. The worms, 
 in this last age, are excessively voracious : and for this 
 reason plenty of leaves must be supplied to them. And if 
 
— 22 — 
 
 the feeding be not very frequent, it must be abundant. 
 The leaves must be placed at least three inches deep, 
 especially during the last three days previous to their de- 
 parture for the grove. 
 
 In very warm weather, on sultry days, during storms 
 and heavy rains, more ventilation is necessary, because 
 both heavy and bad air is death to the worm. They con- 
 sume during this age about 660 pounds (300 kilogr.) of 
 leaves. 
 
 During the entire period of nursing, with eggs weighing 
 only ten grams, worms will be produced consuming about 
 858 pounds (390 kilogr,) of leaves, and s]>inning cocoons 
 weighing complexively about 55 pounds (25 kilogr.) 
 
 The Grove. 
 
 The silk-worms, nursed as previously stated, in 30 days 
 from brith, will betake themselves to the grove. The grove 
 is to be made up of branches of different species of shrubs. 
 They must be perfectly clear from insects, clean, and dry. 
 They are placed all along the tables on which the worms are 
 kept, some even resting on the tables, branches downward 
 so that the worms may crawl up easily. 
 
 The cultivator must now select those worms that are 
 ripe, handling them lightly and with despatch. In this 
 condition they are transparent, inclined to wiggle, keeping 
 their heads constantly moving about, and looking for a 
 svipport. This is to be done to help them, and to place 
 
— 23 — 
 
 5 hem, it necessary on the l)ranches; and for three days, the 
 .greatest care must be taken, as previously stated; for, during 
 these days th.e worm wiH begin spinning. 
 
 Management of the Cocoonery after 
 the Cocoons are spun. 
 
 The windows and doors must be kept open day and 
 iiight. After four days the worm will be enclosed in the 
 cocoon, its transformation into chrysalis complete, and 
 eight days after the cocoons can be collected, 420 of the 
 latter if yellow in color and of good Milanese quality, will 
 ueigh about 2^-2 pounds [i kilogr.] 
 
 Confection of the Silk- Worm Eggs. 
 
 When the cocoons are gathered from the grove, arti- 
 ficially built in the Cocoonery, select and keep for seed 
 those that are harder more regular in shape, of an even color, 
 and transparent as much as possible. Remove all the super- 
 fluous coating, or froth like substance, to facilitate the egress 
 of the butterfly from the cocoon. 
 
 In selecting the cocoons as seed, care should be had to 
 choose always by pairs-male and female — which are easily 
 distiguished by their shape. The male is enclosed in cocoons 
 that are smaller more pointed at the extremities, and de- 
 
— 24 — 
 
 pressed at the sides. Those of the female are more rounded, 
 fuller, and with less depression. 
 
 The butterflies make their exit from the cocoons on the 
 17th or i8th day after their introduction into the grove. 
 
 The birth of the butterfly takes place between the hours 
 of 4 and 9 A. M. 
 
 The males, whose bodies are pointed and small, will flnp 
 their wings with violence: the females have a larger and 
 longer body, and are not so active. 
 
 When the butterflies cohabit together, they should be 
 placed upon another shelf and after six hours are separated 
 by taking them by the wings and pulling them gently apart 
 in opposite directions. 
 
 Then the female is placed alone on a piece of cotton 
 fabric, and in 40 or 50 hours she will lay the eggs. 
 
 Suffocation of the Crysalis. 
 
 Any oven whatsoever can be used to suffocate the crys- 
 alis provided it be hot. 
 
 The cocoons are placed in the oven in baskets when the 
 temperature is from 200 to 240 degrees and suspended from 
 the floor of the oven at the height of at least i centimetre. 
 
 The cocoons are to be kept in the oven one hour at a tem- 
 perature of 240 to 260 degrees of heat. After the lapse of 45 
 minutes, take from the midst of the basket some cocoons, cut 
 them open, and ascertain about the complete suffocation of 
 the crysalis. 
 
— 25 — 
 
 Before taking the basket of cocoons out, let the door of 
 the oven open for about 12 or 15 minutes to prevent any 
 dampness. 
 
 Cocoonery. 
 
 Any room can be used for such a purpose, provided 
 it be above ground, free from dampness, kept warm, and at 
 least 100 sq. ft. (12 meters sq.) in dimension. There must be 
 three windows to the east, south, and west, communicating 
 to the door of the room, thus producing a good ventilation. 
 
 In this room, of whatever dimension it may be, a 
 suitable stove is kept. The windows must be, as much as 
 ])ossible opposite to one another, and never towards the 
 north. 
 
 The floor and ceiling of the room must be in perfect 
 order, so that neither the air without can penetrate nor the 
 heat within escape. 
 
 When the room has a dimension of from 100 to 180 sq. 
 ft. (12 to 20 meters) it is necessary to have artificial ventil- 
 ation, by means of a fan. When it has a dimension of 180 
 or more square feet (20 meters sq.) or upwards, what follows 
 must be observed: 
 
 1. That the room have windows on two opposite sides. 
 
 2. That the windows be at least 12 feet (3 meters) 
 apart. 
 
 3. That the height of the windows be between 5 and 
 
— 26 — 
 
 8 ft. (i, 50 meters or 2 meters) not taking into account 
 their width. 
 
 4. That all along the ceiling and in the middle of 
 the room be ventilators, that may be shut and opened at 
 pleasure. • 
 
 5. That there be in some part of the room a con- 
 trivance, to remove immediately the beds on which the 
 silk-worms rested. 
 
 6. That all windows be towards the east or west, or 
 towards the south-east or south-west. 
 
 7 . Besides the outer door there should be an inner one 
 to prevent a current of air or draft, which would be injurious 
 to the silk-worms nearest it. 
 
 8. The window should have no clear glass, if there are 
 no blinds. 
 
 9. And, if there are no blinds, paper, dip])ed in linseed 
 oil. mixed with resin, is pasted on the window sash, 
 answering the purpose, being transparent and strong enough 
 to resist rain and wind. 
 
 10. Every window should have a green curtain, to keep 
 off the rays of the sun. 
 
 1 1 . That there be a ventilator to change the air. 
 
 12. For every 200 to 250 square feet (24 or 28 meters 
 sq.) of the room, a stove must be kept, with sufficient capacity 
 to warm it. The height of the room should never be more 
 than about 16 feet [4 meters.] 
 
 13. Finally, the room must be compact, so that 
 it may soon be warmed, and kept so, with the most econo- 
 mical consumption of coal and wood. At the distance 
 
— 21 — 
 
 of every 120 square feet [14 meters sq.] a thermometer must 
 be suspended upon the wall distant from stoves, 12 feet (3 
 meters,) and 4^/2 feet [i, 05 meters,] from the floor. 
 
 The tables or shelves upon which the worms are nurs- 
 ed, may be of any wood whatever, provided they be white 
 and smooth. They must be stationary, and made of thin 
 wood for economy's sake. 
 
 Thy may be of any dimension, and the racks large 
 enough to hold the worms of one ounce of eggs in weight, 
 and are disposed in shelf-fashion for convenience. The 
 distance between one shelf and the other must be about two 
 feet (40 cent.) and must be perfectly steady. 
 
- 29 ~ 
 
 PRICE LIST. 
 
 Lombardian Mulberry Trees. 
 
 Trees i to 2 feet higli per 100 $ S^oo- 
 
 8,00. 
 
 3 " 4 " " ----- " 
 
 4 " 5 " " 
 
 5 "6 - " 
 
 4 years old t^ralted " ._ 
 
 6 " "ungiafted" , 
 
 6 " " '' per doz 
 
 A LIBERAL DISCOUNT ON ORDERS OF lOOO OR MORE. 
 
 These trees are endowed with a very strong organiza- 
 tion, which enables them to grow in cold countries. The 
 leaves are hardy and pulpy, so that the woinis fed by them 
 will produce large and heavy cocoons. 
 
 14,00, 
 20,00. 
 30,00. 
 50,00. 
 80,00. 
 12,00, 
 
 Silk -Worm Eggs. 
 
 BREEDING OF 188 
 
 Silk worm eggs, confectioned by the cellular system, 
 and examined by a physiological and microscopical selec- 
 tion ; free from disease, proceeding from a successful breed- 
 ing of the previous year, in either white, yellow or green 
 cocoons, $5,00 per ounce of 25 grams. 
 
 Our agency will provide also Machinery for reeling 
 cocoons. 
 
 All orders and informations promptly attended to. 
 
 Package and Freight from New York to destination to 
 be paid by the consignee. 
 
 Orders must be accompained by cash (postal card or 
 check or registered letter) and are guaranteed to be filled 
 as soon as goods arrive in New York. 
 
 CARERA, RUBER & CO. 
 
 152 Wooster St., New York. 
 
1 3sr D E x:. 
 
 PAGE. 
 
 Preface, -3 
 
 Mulberry Tree's origin 5 
 
 How to select a Mulberry Tree 6 
 
 Propagation of the Mulberry Tree 7 
 
 Planting 9 
 
 Ingrafting 11 
 
 Care of Grafted Trees 12 
 
 Manure .. 14 
 
 Production of the Mulberry Tree. .• 15 
 
 Remark about Silk-Worms and Cocoons 16 
 
 Practical principles for the Culture of Silk-Worms 18 
 
 Preservation of Eggs 18 
 
 Incubation 19 
 
 Nursing 19 
 
 The Grove 22 
 
 Management of the Cocoonery after the Cocoons are spun 2t, 
 
 Confection of the Silk-Worm Eggs 23 
 
 Suffocation of the Crysalis ... 24 
 
 Cocoonery .... 25 
 
 Price List 29 
 
LIBRARY OF CONGRESS 
 
 002 842 951 4 ^ 
 
 FR.IOE 2S OEISTTS.