178 THE CALIFORNIA 



small depth below, and would consequently rot the 

 cuttings within six or eight inches of the surface." 



That address is a veiy important document, and e\vrv 

 farmer ought to have it. But I only put here simjlv 

 what concerns the preparation of the soil, as it com- 

 pletely suits my views; because mulberry trees will 

 certainly do pretty well in a soil prepared as above. 



I think I have said enough to make everyone un<lor- 

 stand that the soil in which you intend to plant your 

 mulberry trees must be well and deeply cultivated, as 

 by all I know and what I have seen, deep ploughin 

 indispensable in California, in order to retain a pr 

 moisture through our dry season. It is the <-h< -a] , -st 

 way, as it saves you the labor of irrigating, and is ten 

 times preferable. 



CHAPTER VH. 



MULBERRY CULTURE. 



The mulberry tree is propagated by seeds, by cut- 

 tings or slips, by layers, and in Europe also sometimes 

 by grafting; but I think that we have no need of 

 grafting in California, where the mulberry is so easy to 

 grow, easier even than the willow. 



First, BY SEEDS. The seeds are obtained by washing 

 the bruised pulp of thoroughly ripened fruit. The trees 

 that are left for that purpose must be shaken every day ; 



