1840.] SENATE— No. 36. 115 



tree but more hardy than the Perottet ; and they may be propa- 

 gated with about the same facility. There is little doubt that 

 this tree may be acclimated among us ; and it will then prove 

 the most valuable tree, as yet known in the State, for the cul- 

 ture of silk. 



Dr. Stebbins, who has entered largely into the cultivation of 

 this tree, passes very high encomiums upon its merits. He 

 writes me, under date of 9th November last, " I have preserved 

 the foliage of the large leaf Canton in preference to the Perot- 

 tet, having thought that leaf best adapted to the feed of 

 worms, for by experiments of the present year, the result has 

 been as 5 to 8 in favor of the Canton feed." This result was 

 obtained by weighing in accurate scales the cocoons made from 

 each kind of leaf He adds, " that of the cocoons obtained 

 by feeding upon the Canton exclusively, and the white mul- 

 berry exclusively, those from the Canton leaf were one third 

 heavier than the other." Another person from Ohio writes to 

 him, *' that the produce of the Canton by the acre is twice as 

 much as that of the Multicaulis." 



These are strong encomiums ; but I believe not undeserved, 

 from what in regard to the cultivation of the tree has come 

 under my own observation. I might add other testimonies in 

 favor of the Canton ; among others that of Edwin Newbury — 

 a very exact observer and cultivator of Erooklyn, Conn. ; and 

 that of Timothy Smith, of Amherst, Mass., both of whom, 

 from repeated experiments, give their decided preference to 

 the Canton mulberry over all others. 



Many persons are inclined to believe that the Canton is not 

 more hardy than the Perottet ; Mr. Smith's experience leads to 

 a different conclusion. I have also the pleasure to add here the 

 actual experience of D. Haggerston, of Watertown, the farm 

 manager of J. P. Cushing ; and on whose knowledge and skill 

 in the management of these plants as much reliance can be 

 placed as on those of any man in the country. His testimony 

 likewise must be regarded as entirely disinterested. 



He states, that, with him the Perottet mulberry has been 



