26 THE MULBERRY TREE. 



be cut into pieces from six to fifteen inches in length, 

 having on them, towards their ends, two buds one 

 for the root, and the other for the branch. These 

 are to be stuck, early in the spring, into the ground 

 about two thirds their length and have the earth well 

 closed around them. 



A shady location is preferable, when it can be ob- 

 tained, and in dry weather they should be kept well 

 watered. The cuttings should be of the last years 

 shoots. Cuttings from horizontal branches will grow 

 equally well, but incline to grow in a more spreading 

 form and do not make as handsome and thrifty trees. 

 The second year they may be transplanted if w r ell 

 rooted. 



SUCKERS. 



Trees may also be obtained from suckers. These 

 are to be separated from the tree early in the spring, 

 care being taken to leave some roots upon them, and 

 planted either in the nursery or orchard. In dry 

 weather they should be watered. 



Though the White Mulberry admits of these vari- 

 ous methods of propagation ; yet ordinarily the bet- 

 ter method will be to propagate them from the seed. 

 Seed of a good quality can ordinarily be obtained at 

 a moderate price, and from a single pound, one hun- 

 dred thousand plants may reasonably be expected. 



PRUNING. 



The subsequent treatment of the trees ought to 

 have particular reference to the quality and quantity 

 of the foliage, the duration of the tree and the conven- 

 ience of gathering the leaves. 



