Crap. XIX.) MULBERRY-TREES. 359 
the kinds which are used for the purpose in Europe. 
It is not yet, however, in a sufficiently advanced 
state for this to be ascertained. One thing, however, 
is certain, that the silk produced in this district is 
considered as being amongst the finest in China; 
but whether this is owing to the particular variety 
of mulberry-tree used in feeding the worms, or to 
climate or soil, still remains to be ascertained. 
The trees, or rather bushes, are planted in rows, 
the banks of the canals being a favourite situation ; 
and they are not allowed to grow more than from 
four to six feet in height. The natives set to 
work with a pair of strong scissors, and cut all the 
young shoots off close by the stump; they are 
then either stript of their leaves, or taken home in 
bundles and stript afterwards. Before this opera- 
tion takes place, the plants seem in a high state of 
health, producing vigorous shoots and fine large 
and thick shining leaves. After the leaves have 
been taken off, the bushes look like a collection of 
dead stumps, and in the middle of summer have 
a curious wintry appearance ; but the rain, which 
falls copiously, and the fertility of the soil, soon 
revive a succulent plant like the mulberry. The 
Chinese seem very particular in stirring up the 
earth amongst the roots of the bushes immediately 
after the young branches and leaves have been 
taken off, and the plantations appear to have great 
attention paid to them. 
The farms are small, and are generally worked 
by the family and relatives of the farmer; who 
AA 4 
