The Mulberries. 249 



tivation in many regions where a little reason would have shown 

 that it was utterly hopeless. The white mulberry is made to grow 

 without difficulty in most parts of the Middle, Southern, and West- 

 ern States, and, under intelligent direction, the silk industry may 

 doubtless in many places be carried on with profit. It is propagated 



135. The Mulberry Leaves and Fruit 



by cutting and layers, and requires a warm, dry soil, and will suc- 

 ceed in almost any place that will bear a good corn crop. There 

 are many varieties under cultivation, and many special publications 

 have been issued, giving directions for their management. 



987. THE RUSSIAN MULBERRY. This tree, which seems to be 

 closely allied to the Morus nigra, or black mulberry, and the M. 

 Tartarica, a native of Russia, has in recent years been introduced by 

 Mennonite emigrants, and is found to thrive very well in the West- 

 ern States. Trees six years old are found eight inches in diameter 

 and sixteen feet high. The berries may be eaten fresh, or made 

 into jellies, wine, and preserves. Most of them are black, but some 

 of a reddish white, with an aromatic odor and sub-acid, sweetish 

 taste. 



988. The Meunonites set this as a hedge plant, and its leaves are 

 said to be valuable for feeding silk worms. It is easily transplanted, 

 and the timber is excellent for fence posts. For hedges, the plants 

 should be set a foot apart, and they should be kept cut back to 



