The Silk Industry of Assam

On the southern border of the valley the chief eni growing region comprises the Mikir Hills the Mikir mauzas of Nowgong the North Cochar Hills and the nortern slopes of the Khasi and Jaintia Hills from the Kopili river to the eastern border of the Goalpara district. [...] The eri cocoon varies much in size and weight these depending on the season the quantity and quality of the food given to the worms ' and the health and vigour Of the brood. [...] In the case_ of the eri cocoon the maggot after cutting out of the chrysalis pupates inside the cocoon and the fly cabs out through the hole in the cocoon which the worm left for the enitrgenee of its own moth. The cocoon is spoiled for purpose of breeding thi12 chrysalis inside having been killed ; but it does not lose value for spinning. [...] As soon as the cocoons have been plucked from the 141i it is the custom of Tioatment of cocoons the animistic tribes to remove the chrysalids for eating by widening the natural opening in the cocoon ; the moult skins are shaken out at the same time. [...] It not only increases the cost of the cocoons but what is more tierious the dry remains of the insect cause injury to the spinning machinery and also spoil the quality of the yarn.