58 
Of the mineral matter contained in the leaf, only certain portions are 
appropriated by the worm; these are phosphoric and sulphuric acid, 
potash, and magnesia. Its silica and sulphate and carbonate of lime 
are not useful in nutrition. In studying the leaf of the Mulberry at dif- 
ferent seasons it is found that early in the spring certain varieties pos- 
sess these nutritive mineral substances to a greater extent than others, 
but that as the season advances they become less abundant, while the 
proportion of silica and lime increases. It is important, then, if from 
this point of view only, that we should rear our Silk-worms as early in 
the season as possible. A great many experimenters have occupied 
themselves with the value of the different varieties of Mulberry with a 
view to ascertaining which would give the best alimentary results un- 
der ordinary conditions. As a result, it is generally advised that the 
seedling White Mulberry be fed at the beginning of an education and 
the rosea during the later ages. The multicaulis possesses many of the 
advantages of these varieties, though less rich in nutritive elemenis 
than either of them. 
OSAGE ORANGE.—The cultivation of the Osage Orange (Maclura 
aurantiaca) is so well understood in this country that there is no need 
of giving detailed instructions on the subject. Very generally used as 
a hedge-plant in those sections of the country which are particularly 
adapted to silk culture, its leaves may at once be obtained without any 
Special investment of capital. Indeed, as the hedges need trimming, 
the cutting off of the new year’s growth, as the leaves may be wanted 
for feeding purposes, is a saving ratber than an expenditure. Those 
who use this plant as Silk-worm food inust, however, bear in mind that 
the shoots from a hedgerow become very vigorous and succulent by the 
time the worms are in the last age. These more milky and succulent 
terminal leaves should be thrown aside ard not used, as they are apt 
to induce flaccidity and other diseases. 
In avoiding these more tender leaves and using only the older and 
firmer ones, especially when’ the worms are large, consists the whole 
secret of the successful rearing of Silk-worms on this plant; and if care 
be had in this respect, and the same judgment used in selecting from 
trees or hedges well exposed to sunlight, as suggested for Mulberry, 
there will be no appreciable difference in the silk crop from Osage 
Orange as compared with that from Mulberry. 
The thorus of this plant make it somewhat more difficult to pick its 
leaves than those of the Mulberry, and I should not advise its cultiva- 
tion merely as Silk-worm food. 
What is said of the Osage Orange is based upon a very extended ex- 
perience, and I would not only emphasize the fact of the value of this 
plant, but also of the necessity of the careful selection of Maclura leaves, 
especially during the last two ages of the worm. I have found that 
after the third age time is saved by using the twigs, first taking care to 
clip off the spines, which is rapidly done by means of a pair of scissors, In 
