CULTIVATION OF THE MULBERRY. 63 



The mulberry trees of Wang-hai are planted in the same 

 manner as the white mulberry. 



In the twelfth month, (January,) the ponds must be open- 

 ed, and the trees surrounded with manure ; that is to say, 

 their roots must be surrounded with muddy ground In the 

 second, and sometimes the third, sixth, and seventh months, 

 the mud with which the roots of the mulberry trees have 

 been surrounded must be removed. 



The mulberry trees with rose-like branches, are of a spe- 

 cies that grow strong and high. It is not. necessary to prune 

 them in order that their branches may become thick. They 

 ought to be planted much sooner than the others. It is bet- 

 ter to plant them near the house, but it is not necessary to 

 surround the roots with pond mud. It is only when these 

 mulberry trees are young, they must be surrounded with 

 manure, before winter comes. Some persons manure them 

 two or three times. The twelfth month, (January,) is the 

 most favorable period for that operation. 



In the work entitled Nong-sang-yao-tchi we read : When- 

 ever the mulberry trees have been newly planted, the branch- 

 es ought not to be cut, or the leaves gathered until the pro- 

 per time. The leaves which grow upon the long branches 

 from the middle of the tree must not be gathered. Leaves 

 of the lateral branches which have not been pruned must be 

 gathered, in order that the branches and the small boughs 

 may enlarge and become bushy. Then the mulberry trees 

 must be surrounded with a hedge to prevent cattle and other 

 domestic animals from browsing on the leaves, and from 

 shaking or pulling up the trees. Afterwards, when the mid- 

 dle boughs have acquired strength, the lateral branches may 

 be removed. 



When the roots are strong and extended, the sap rises in 





