76 



is the best, and yields an abundance of fruit for more than three 

 months. The berries fall as they ripen, and if the ground under 

 the trees is not in turf, it should be covered by a clean mulch to 

 prevent their becoming soiled. 



Thousands of the Russian mulberry plants are annually sold, 

 many of which are grown from seeds, and of course are in every 

 grade of quality. They can be grown from cuttings as easily 

 as the willow, and the best only should be propagated. Tree 

 agents are taking orders for small plants at from one to two 

 dollars each, but reliable nursery men offer them at twenty-five 

 and fifty cents. Birds are very fond of the fruit, and it might 

 be more extensively grown for their especial benefit. 



Rev. Henry Ward Beecher says, " I regard it as an indispen- 

 sable addition to every fruit garden ; and I speak what I think 

 when I say I had rather have one tree of Downing's ever-bear- 

 ing mulberry than a bed of strawberries." 



CURRANTS. 



Plants of the currant are easily multiplied by cuttings. These 

 are made from one-year-old wood as soon as the leaves have 

 fallen in autumn, and at once planted out in a good sandy loam. 

 The soil must be well drained, as a surplus of water on the sur- 

 face, or at the base of the cutting, will prove fatal. The cur- 

 rant sheds its leaves quite early, and if the cuttings are put in 

 immediately, they will callous over and send out small roots, so 

 as to make strong plants the next year. If to be grown in tree 

 form, all buds below the surface should be removed before the 

 cuttings are set. Cuttings are usually made from six to ten 

 inches long, but in case the wood is of some scarce and choice 

 variety, it may be cut into lengths of three or four inches. 

 Those having facilities for propagating under glass sometimes 

 cut to single buds, and plant half an inch deep in boxes of 

 sand. 



When planting in trenches, set the cuttings three inches apart, 

 and make the soil around them very firm. If many are to be 

 propagated, they may be placed in double or triple rows, and in 



