No. 62.] 283 



position takes place, forming a rich mold on the surface, in which 

 the surface roots place themselves, while the solvent parts by rains 

 are carried down into the earth, and supply the deeper roots with 

 food. 



In addition to these experiments, a gentleman farmer at or near 

 Skaneateles, some two years ago published in the Genesee Farmer 

 his method of raising winter wheat, and obviating the effects of the 

 frost. His method was to plov; so late as to prevent the sod or 

 tufts from rotting; and the result invariably was, he raised a good 

 crop of winter wheat, when his neighbors, who took the ordinary 

 course, lost their wheat crop. This mode of culture, or of topdress- 

 injT, has not extensively obtained, but in every case known to me, it 

 has succeeded well. Eut since the introduction ol the Italian spring 

 wheat, most farmers in this region depend on that, it being a sure 

 crop, and not requiring as strong or rich a soil as winter wheat, or 

 as any other straw^ grain. 



The culture of silk is attracting an increased attention in this coun- 

 ty. A respectable exhibition of raw and sewing silk and cocoons 

 were exhibited at the fair of our County Agricultural Society last 

 fall, and all of an excellent quality; and considerable was raised that 

 was not exhibited, and all who have made the experiment are flatter- 

 ed M'ith the results. We are satisfied that, added to the farming 

 interest, its culture will become lucrative. The Ore^gon mulberry I 

 continue to cultivate. It endures the rigor of our severe winters 

 without injury, and I am fully satisfied from experience that it is 

 better adapted to the climate of the northern States than any other 

 mulberry tree known. It can be grown into standard trees; its 

 leaves are larger and thicker than the Morus multicaulis, and thicker 

 set on the branches; are a fleshy leaf, containing less woody fibers 

 than other mulberry leaves, and instead of being watery, they abound 

 in a milky juice more largely than any other known mulberry leaf, 

 w^hich milky juice is the substance from which the worms secrete and 

 elaborate the silk. I have fed silk worms on the leaves of this plant 

 five seasons, and also on multicaulis, and others of the most approv- 

 ed varieties, and the result, in all cases, has been that the worms fed 

 on my new plant, have grown equally as well as those fed on any other 

 variety, and have in all cases been the most healrhy, and produced 

 firmer and heavier cocoons, which reel remarkably easy, and produc- 

 ing a finer filament than that produced by feeding on other varieties; 

 which is easily seen by comparison, and in all cases possesses a more 

 brilliant lustre than any other specimens I have seen, or can produce 

 from other varieties, and is also remarkably flexible. All good 

 judges who have seen my specimens declare silk to be richer 

 in lustre than any ever seen by them. I therefore feel a confidence 

 in believing that my new plant is the most valuable mulberry tree 

 that has as yet been introduced or known; and if the culture of silk 

 should continue to progress, will eventually become a valuable ac- 

 quisition to silk culturists in the northern States. 



