On the Culture of the Midhernj Tree. 281 



ted by quotations of prejudicial errors derived even from learned books ; 

 by the mortifying results of advice and reports circulated in newspa- 

 pers or other publications which lead into error ; by facts proving the 

 immense destruction of silk-worms and crops of silk from miscalcu- 

 ladon of the necessary space, room and fodder in nurseries; — by 

 competition for public honor or for profits; and by the general insuffi- 

 ciency of personal experience and observations. 



To these reasonable accessory remarks, is subjoined the impor- 

 tant subject of the culture of the mulberry tree which the author in- 

 forms us, is abridged from the celebrated Count de Verri of Tus- 

 cany, and whose establishments and agricultural labors in his posses- 

 sions, situated under the most congenial climate, similar to diat of our 

 middle states and of southern France, are the most worthy of be- 

 ing recommended. 



It appears somewhat extraordinary that a tree reckoned as one of 

 the most easy growth even in common lands and soils, and perhaps 

 unfit for any other kind of produce, should, nevertheless, remain the 

 subject of considerable care, sldll, rules and precepts, before it can 

 be depended upon as an operative means for obtaining crops of 

 silk : There are, however, for obtaining these quandties, many im- 

 portant causes and weighty reasons; first in relation to the quan- 

 tity of fohage necessary to be always at hand and provided for 

 expected consumption. We refer particularly to the economy 

 and convenience, indispensable in all matters of labor and ser- 

 vice, in order that a peculiar form should be given to the mulber- 

 ry tree for a convenient disposal of its foliage ; and this is the pre- 

 paratory work which commences at the first budding of the plant; 

 also to the preservative cares and skilful tillage necessary for pre- 

 venting the rapid decay, frequent diseases, and the failure of pro- 

 duce in a perennial plant, subject every year to the destructive op- 

 eration of stripping its foliage ; and which in fact, renders it neces- 

 sary annually to alternate the use of the trees, or else their produc- 

 tive existence cannot average more than ten years. 



The natural history of the silk-worm follows next; and is drawn by 

 the pen of an experienced entomologist. Two new questions seem 

 to have more particularly engaged his attention and researches. The 

 first is to ascertain by the anatomy of the Bomhyx mori, what ele- 

 ment in nature is the source of its vital power ; and thereby to ena- 

 ble himself to judge and estabhsh the best system or method of 

 rearing it. There is in the body of this caterpillar a strong pulsatory 



Vol. XVIIL— No. 2. 36 



