170 THIv CALIFORNIA 



form and dimensions of the leaf vary in different soils ; 

 in a dry and arid soil, they are of a diminished size ; 

 their form elliptical, and without the heart-shaped indent- 

 ation at the base ; their breadth being six inches, and 

 their length eight ; but in a light, rich, and friable soil, 

 the produce of the foliage is most abundant ; the leaves 

 large and cordiform, measuring often more than a foot 

 in breadth and fifteen inches in length. 



That variety is sometimes called the Perrotet Mul- 

 berry, in honor of Mr. Perrotet, agricultural botanist 

 and traveler of the marine and colonies of France, who 

 has introduced this plant into Europe. Mr. Perrotet 

 has been sent out by the Government of France on a 

 voyage of botanical research, a national ship having 

 been provided especially for his use. This tree was 

 first discovered by him at Manila, the capital of the 

 Philippine Islands, whither it had been brought by the 

 Chinese from China, as a tree of ornament as well as of 

 usefulness. The Chinese are justly entitled to the credit 

 of its introduction hither. From Manila the morns 

 multicaulis was first introduced by Mr. Perrotet to the 

 Isle of Bourbon, and from thence into Cayenne ; and, 

 finally, it was brought by him to France in 1821. 



The morus multicaulis differs from all others in the 

 uncommon vigor of its growth, and the property which 

 the roots possess of throwing up numerous flexible stalks, 

 the great length which these stalks acquire in a short 

 space of time, and the facility with which it is propa- 

 gated from layers and cuttings ; also from the remark- 

 able size which the thin, soft, and tender leaves speedily 



