NETTLE TREE OR HACKBERRY 83 



to the Council. One foggy November night the 

 precious tree was planted in the forecourt of the Town 

 Hall in Wandsworth Road. Unhappily, the small boys 

 used to delight to uproot the baby Mulberry, which 

 now, it is believed, has been planted surreptitiously 

 in a place of safety. 



The Mulberry is readily recognised by its entire, 

 deeply dentated, and rough dark-green leaves. In 

 winter, even at a distance, the tree may be recognised 

 by its unusually twiggy branches and dark, dirty bark. 



Mulberry timber is of a rich colour, smooth and 

 clean, and with a beautiful grain. When obtainable 

 it is valuable as cabinet wood, and is frequently turned 

 into fancy household articles. It is little apt to crack 

 or warp, and its lasting properties are well known. 

 The fruit of the Mulberry is greatly prized, and sells 

 readily in the London market. 



The Mulberry is cultivated from seeds, good 

 supplies of which are produced in this country. 

 Similar treatment to those of the Yew is required, 

 in that, in order to rid the seeds of the outer coating, 

 rotting in sand or light soil is practised. Cuttings 

 also take, and grafting is resorted to. In a young state 

 the plants are slow of growth ; indeed, at no period 

 can the Mulberry be counted as of anything approach- 

 ing to rapid development. 



Nettle Tree or Hackberry 



(Celtis occidentalis) 



GOODLY specimens of this rare tree in various 

 parts of London prove that it is adapted for 

 planting in smoky localities. Even in Battersea Park, 



