Silk raising, or sericulture, has been a leading industry in Japan and China for a great many years, while the Near East and such countries as France and Italy have also played a part in the industry—but to a lesser degree. A great deal of this work, particularly in Japan and China, has been carried on as a home industry, but with the growth of modern business methods more and more of the silk raising has come into the hands of companies operating on a highly scientific basis. [Illustration: _Cocoonery_] [Sidenote: _Japanese Supervision_] After many years of experience and experimentation the breeding and care of the silk worm has been put on a very technical and closely regulated schedule that minimizes the chances of loss by waste or the spread of disease. In Japan the industry has been encouraged and fostered by the Government; a special division of the administration is devoted to its attention, and numerous organizations and associations conduct experimental stations for research and study. In fact since about the middle of the 19th century everything possible has been done to foster this highly profitable branch of the country’s industry. [Sidenote: _Modern Methods of Cultivation_] [Sidenote: _Hatching the Eggs_] The merest outline of the modern methods of cultivation will show how highly they have been developed. To begin with, the eggs are placed on sheets of paper or muslin directly after they are laid. These sheets are hung for a few days in a damp atmosphere, and then placed in cold storage for about six months, the period of cold being advantageous for later hatching, which is done by heat. [Sidenote: _Growth of the Worms_] After hatching, the worm sheds its skin four times. The periods between the “molts,” or ages, vary with different silk worms, but the total process takes about a month. Worms of different ages are always kept separate, being held on large cloth trays which are carried in tiers along the walls of the rearing rooms. The cocooneries where best results are obtained are quiet, spacious, well-ventilated rooms where an even temperature can be maintained. Each worm is kept absolutely clean and has plenty of room, as overcrowding brings disease. As a precaution mild fumigation is resorted to from time to time. Heavy odors or smoke of any sort are not allowed, as these are disturbing to the worms. [Sidenote: _Feeding the Worms_] [Sidenote: _The Mulberry Tree_]