CHAPTEK XV. 



THE MULBERRY. 



THE Red Mulberry {Morus rubra) is native to 

 this country, being more abundant in the Middle 

 and Western States, and there attaining a height 

 of 60 or 70 feet. More sparingly it is found as 

 far North as the northern extremity of Lake 

 Champlain. It is an ornamental tree, with dark 

 green leaves. The European variety {Jkforus 

 nigra) much resembles the American, but its 

 black fruit is larger and of better quality, being 

 an inch and a half in length, and of rich, sugary 

 flavor. Downing's Everbearing is a seedling 

 from the Chinese silk variety (M. multicaulis), 

 not so large, but juicy, sprightly, vinous, and 

 more agreeable. It suffers from the winters in 

 northern sections. Russian varieties, probably 

 seedlings from M. nigra, have been brought to 

 this country by the Mennonites and are largely 

 planted in the Western States. As might be 

 expected among seedlings, the fruit varies some- 

 what in quality. From these it may be hoped 

 that a valuable selection may be made. 



