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Instructions for the cultivation of the Mulberry Tree and 

 of Silk f Forms y in order to introduce them into America, 

 By the late Paul Busti, 



Read September 19th, 1824- 



It is not at all necessary to observe, that the name 

 o^worm is very improperly applied to the insect which 

 furnishes silk It is by no means a worm, but in the 

 rigorous acceptation of the word, a caierijillar. How- 

 ever, before treating on this subject, it will be proper to 

 make some observations on the cultivation of the mul- 

 berry tree, as the leaves of these trees furnish the nou- 

 rishment of these caterpillars. There are several kinds 

 of mulberry trees, but I will mention only two. of them, 

 namely, the black, and the white mulberry. As experi- 

 ence has proved that the white mulberry is preferable. 

 I shall limit myself to the describing the manner of rais- 

 ing and multiplying it. There are two methods of 

 multiplying these trees, namely, by the seed, and from 

 suckers. To proceed with the first, there are two ways. 

 Choose the finest fruit from a tree, perfectly sound, 

 loosened by a slight blow given to the branches, when 

 the fruit is perfectly ripe ; and having prepared the 

 ground by the spade, plant the seeds at the distance of 

 three inches from each, covering them lightly with earth, 

 on which it will be proper to spread a light covering of 

 soot, plaster, or lime, as much to hasten vegetation, as 

 to guard it from ants, and other insects. This operation 

 is done in Italy in July, at which time the fruit of the 

 mulberry arrives at maturity. The season being gene- 

 rally more backward in America, it is possible that to 

 defer it till August would be necessary. In genera)^ 

 Q q 



