An “Unremitting Superintendence”

 As we prepare to end our summer theme, Moth to Cloth, we can look back to seven successful weeks of caring for silkworms and see that we have raised one complete generation from eggs to adult moths! The moths that are now emerging from their cocoons have been mating and are laying eggs. We have loved sharing this interesting life cycle with visitors, including some who have returned several times to check on the progress of the silkworms and moths.

Together we have observed the life cycle from:

Egg

Silkworm- (caterpillar) that sheds (molts) its exoskeleton four times and then begins to spin a cocoon.

Pupa - The caterpillar as it is changing into a moth inside the cocoon

Moth - Male and female moths will mate and the females will lay eggs. http://www.youtube.com/embed/YOy_xodmne4

Reproduced on our wall is an enlarged version of two pages from a book published in 1844, called Silk Culture in the United States. It is a “how-to “book of instructions written for the emerging cottage industry of raising silkworms in American homes.  Along with scientific illustrations and detailed life cycle charts, the authors specify five rules for successfully rearing silkworms. These include: “ 1. A high temperature sufficiently moist and uniformly diffused, 2. A brisk and regular ventilation, 3.A light, frequent supply of food,4. The most particular cleanliness and   5.An unremitting superintendence”

 So we end our Blog with thanks for all the help and support we have gotten from many sources and the “unremitting superintendence” of silkworms by our staff. We have not only been successful in raising a generation silkworms, we have shared the fascinating history of silk with hundreds of visitors from as far away as Japan and Israel and as close as South Deerfield and Amherst.