rmilbcrrp and Silk Cultivation. 



\ ^ULBERRY bushes are planted chiefly in rich 

 A VI black soil adjoining the villages, and require 

 continuous moisture, which is supplied by irriga- 

 tion. The fields are generally surrounded by a 

 pogah or bank upon which bamboos are planted 

 and grow luxuriantly, forming effectual barriers to 

 keep out cattle. The principal object in the culti- 

 vation of the mulberry for feeding silk-worms is 

 to produce the greatest quantity of young and 

 healthy leaves without fruit. With reasonable care, 

 the bushes last ten years, and yield fresh leaves 

 eight times a year; they are planted at a con- 

 venient distance from each other on the plan of 

 a quincunx [ ] and are in perfection in about 

 three years ; the stems are periodically cut down, 

 and care is exercised that they are properly thinned, 

 with a view to giving plenty of light and air to 

 the leaves; they are not allowed to exceed five 

 feet in height. The young plants of course suffer 

 by being stripped of their leaves, which are the 

 lungs, and this is an additional reason for renewing 

 them after a certain time. Fresh plants are pro- 

 cured from cuttings. 



