Essential Compendium of Sericulture

Silkworms that should avoid being placed on the floor: During the summer rearing season, when the weather reaches the peak of sweltering heat, the "sand and mucus" original: "sha ti" (沙涕); this refers to the mixture of silkworm excrement and secretions which, if left to accumulate, begins to ferment and produce heat will steam and smolder. The bedding must be frequently stirred and changed; however, if the silkworms are on the floor, there is no way to reach underneath them to do this. The silkworms will inevitably suffer damage, which is why floor-rearing is avoided in this instance. Another type—silkworm seeds—which are intended for future breeding, especially require a dry and clean environment. On the ground, it is always easy for them to be affected by rising dampness. Furthermore, when the number of silkworms is small, they are easy to lift and move, so there is truly no need to place them on the floor.

Going up the Mountain

When the silkworms grow old and are ready to create cocoons, a scaffolding shelf is constructed to house them. This is called a "mountain shelf" original: "shan peng" (山棚), so named because it is traditionally attached beneath the "mountain" of the house—the triangular gable wall. One must adapt to the local environment to ensure the structure is firm and stable. Materials required include bamboo, wood, mats, brooms, ropes, and other items, all of which should be organized one by one before the silkworms reach maturity. If the house has many rooms, the shelves and the floor-rearing area should be kept in separate rooms. If space is limited, the shelves are constructed directly above the floor-reared silkworms.

Building the Shelves

For the shelves, use bamboo or wood. Depending on the width or narrowness of the room, cut them into horizontal crossbeams heng leng (橫楞); these are the primary structural supports for the spinning racks. Generally, for a room requiring six frames, use three crossbeams; for eight frames, use five. Each is suspended from the roof beams using hemp rope, which is then used to tie and secure both ends of the crossbeams...