MULBERRY. 151 



or grafting on the common hawthorn, or by the seeds, 

 which, however, do not come up till the second year* 

 The common medlar is found growing wild in English 

 hedges, and in this state has thorns which disappear un- 

 der culture. Several varieties have been produced dif- 

 fering in size and flavor. The fruit has a harsh taste, 

 which unfits it for eating until it has been mellowed by 

 long Keeping. 



The Service-Tree [Pyriis domestica) is a native of 

 the mountainous parts of Cornwall, and though not much 

 cultivated, may be here noticed. The fruit has a pecu- 

 liar acid flavor, and is used only when thoroughly mel- 

 lowed by keeping. There is a pear-shaped, and also an 

 apple-shaped variety, both of which may be propagated 

 by layers, and still better by grafting on seedling plants 

 of their own kind. Two or three trees may have a place 

 in the orchard, or perhaps in a sheltered corner of the 

 lawn. The tree is seldom productive till it have arrived 

 at a goodly age. The fruit is brought to Covent Garden 

 Market in winter ; but it is never «een at Edinburgh. 

 Near Paris, the tree is a good deal cultivated under th-e 

 name of cornier-; and there are a number of varieties of 

 the Service grown in the north of Italy. 



The Mulberry {3Iorus nigra) is a native of Persia, 

 and in- England requires a warm sheltered situation-. 

 The fruit is in request for the dessert during the months 

 of August and September, having a rich aromatic fla- 

 vor, and a fine subacid juice. Where it is abundant, 

 wine is made from it. In Devonshire, a little of the 

 juice added to full-bodied cider,, produces a delicious 

 beverage, called Mulberry Cider, which retains its fla- 



