THE MULBERRY 



The mulberry is a very handsome tree well worthy 

 of cultivation in a large garden, if only it receives the 

 care and culture which it deserves. Its proper name 

 derived from the Latin through the Anglo-Saxon is 

 Murberry. Mulberry is certainly more euphonious. 

 It is said to be a native of Persia, but it has been known 

 in this country for three centuries and a half at least. 

 It is stated that there are trees still living among us 

 several centuries old. The black mulberry is the one 

 commonly grown in England ; the white does better in 

 a warmer clime, and has been largely planted in France 

 and other lands, where the leaves are required for silk- 

 worms. The white, however, can be grown in this 

 country. The mulberry will thrive in any good soil, 

 but the ground should not be very wet. It should be 

 placed in a sheltered southern aspect, and is likely to do 

 well in the south rather than the north of England. It 

 is propagated by layers, cuttings and seeds. Trees with 

 good straight stems should be had from the nurserymen, 

 and a few shillings spent in buying a straight, strong 

 tree may save years. Plant in late autumn without 

 manure with the usual care (see planting pears); the 

 roots should not be exposed to frost or cold winds. 

 Brick and lime-rubbish below in a heavy wet soil should 

 be given. In a lighter soil put decayed manure round 

 the tree after planting. In spring fork the soil up 

 lightly, as trees thrive better when the soil is stirred. 

 If you plant early in November under favourable cir- 

 cumstances leave four branches only, and cut these hard 



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