20 THE MULBERRY TREE. 



After the plants are up, they must be kept free of 

 weeds, and the earth well stirred with the hoe. If 

 the season is dry, they should be frequently watered ; 

 but in all cases before the rising of the sun, or after 

 its setting in the evening, as watering them during 

 sunshine will injure, rather than benefit, their health 

 and growth. 



It is no uncommon thing for the plants to be de- 

 stroyed by the frosts of the first winter ; but this is 

 considered a matter of little consequence compared 

 with injury to the roots. If the roots are preserved 

 in a healthy state, they will throw up vigorous shoots 

 the second spring, which will generally withstand the 

 cold of the second winter. Some cultivators of trees 

 cut off the shoots of the first year's growth about two 

 inches from the ground, and we are inclined to think 

 it the better course. We have two nurseries, one of 

 which was cut off in this manner, and the other left 

 standing. The trees cut down are larger, and, in 

 every respect, better than those left standing. The 

 plants of spring sowing ought to be covered in season 

 to prevent the frost reaching the roots, and it would 

 be well to do it before the frosts are severe. The 

 Corresponding Secretary of the Concord Silk Soci- 

 ety, suggests hemlock boughs as a suitable material 

 for covering, and we are inclined to the opinion that 

 they will answer every purpose. Taking all things 

 into consideration, we would recommend spring sow- 

 ing, especially for large nurseries. 



