BLACK MULBERRY. 



Pliny. Its habit is that of the vine, though it has no tendrils, 

 hence in its upward tendencies it requires a firm support, 

 by which it climbs to the height of some ten feet. In return 

 for this it adds considerable beauty to the trees which grant 

 their aid. 



BLACK MULBERRY {Morns nigra).— \ WILL NOT 

 Survive You. 



Italy is the birthplace of the Black Mulberry-tree, which 

 is cultivated on account of the delicacy of its fruit. It is by 

 no means a common tree ; why, we know not, but it may be 

 that, as with the Walnut, he who plants one never eats its 

 fruit. The Mulberry certainly does not bear fruit for very 

 many years, but afterwards its fruitfulness increases with its 

 age, and the fruit is larger, and its flavour pleasanter. The 

 Mulberry, like the Strawberry, does not undergo acetous 

 fermentation in the stomach. It allays thirst, and is so 

 refreshing in its eff"ects that Horace's lines seem quite 

 justified : — 



" He shall with vigour bear the summer's heat. 

 Who, after dinner, shall be sure to eat 

 His Mulberries, of blackest ripest dyes. 

 And gathered ere the morning sun arise." — FRANCIS. 



Ovid's story about Pyramus and Thisbe is well known : how 

 that the latter was a lovely damsel of Babylon, and that 

 Pyramus lived in the house adjoining. The pair became 

 enamoured ; but their attachment was not approved of by 



28 



