442 MORUS NIGRA. 
pounds to a cubic foot. It is said to be durable, and has been employed in Eng- 
land for various purposes - of carpentry, for hoops, bows, wheels, and even ribs 
for small vessels, instead of oak. In France, this wood is considered of but little 
value, except for fuel. In some parts of Spain, in Sicily, and in Persia, the leaves 
of this species are said to be preferred to those of the white mulberry ibr the food 
of silkworms. The leaves are also eaten by cattle, sheep, and goats. The roots 
have an acrid, bitter taste, and are considered as an excellent vermifuge, when 
taken, in a powder, in doses of half a drachm. The tree, in every part, contains 
a milky juice, which, being coagulated, is found to form a coarse kind of elastic 
gum. 
The fruit of this tree is of an agreeable acid and aromatic flavour, and is eaten 
raw, as a dessert, or may be formed into an agreeable preserve ; and Evelyn says 
that, mixed with the juice of cider apples, it makes a very strong and agreeable 
wine. Dr. Clarke observes, that he saw some Greeks, in the Crimea, employed 
in distilling brandy from mulberries; which he describes as "a weak, but palat- 
able spirit, as clear as water." A wine is also made from it in France ; but it 
requires to be drunk immediately, as it very soon becomes acid. The fruit, when 
ripe, is regarded as cooling and laxative, allaying thirst, and being grateful in 
cases of fever. When made into a syrup, it is considered excellent for a sore 
throat. Like the strawberry and raspberry, it is said to undergo the acetous fer- 
mentation in the stomach, and therefore may be safely eaten by persons afflicted 
with the rheumatism or gout. All kinds of poultry are excessively fond of this 
fruit, and devour it with avidity, whenever within their reach. 
