52 CULTIVATION OF THE MULBERRY. 



be thoroughly ploughed and divided into small squares,* 

 which must be covered with manure and vegetable mould. 



Before and after the time called Tchun-fen, (the 21st of 

 March,) the branches of the mulberry trees w r hich were 

 buried in the last month of the year, must be taken up. 

 Those whose buds have germinated, must be chosen, and 

 cut the length of seven or eight inches ; a furrow must be 

 dug in each square, they must then be watered, and laid 

 down to be planted ; afterwards cover them with three or 

 four inches of earth. If the earth laid upon them is too 

 deep, the branches will push with difficulty. The earth 

 ought to be pressed and levelled with one's hand. 



Sow to the east, south, and west, of each square, from 

 five to seven seeds of hemp. 



After the fifth month, (June,) the buds gradually push. 

 Manure must often be added. Some time after, when the 

 branches are high, these mulberry trees will have become 

 what is called dwarf trees. 



When the mulberry trees are one or two years old their 

 sap is less abundant, and the stalk is necessarily very brit- 

 tle. 



After the time called Tchun-fen, (21st of March,) the 

 squares must be opened, with a spade, the mulberry trees 

 taken up, and transplanted to some other place. In the 

 portion of the squares, situated to the north, a wall of earth 

 must be formed, at the bottom of which a hole must be 

 made with a dibble, and in each hole pour a certain quan- 

 tity of water. Then the plants of the mulberry trees must 

 be taken and planted, with the wall for a support. The 

 roots must be spread out in an uniform manner. Afterwards 



* N. B. In another part of this book these squares are marked like those of a 

 draught board. The white are those to be cultivated, and no care is given to those 

 parts represented by black squares. ST. JULIEN. 



