118 THE TREES OF NORTH CAROLINA. 



heart-wood is yellowish, fine grained and compact, 

 but lighter than White Oak. It has much strength 

 and solidity, and is thought by many to be as dura- 

 ble as Locust. It is much used in fencing and in 

 ship and boat building. The leaves are too thick 

 and rough for feeding silk-worms, though they have 

 been used for the purpose in the absence of better. 

 The fruit is deep red or purple, of a sweet and acidu- 

 lous flavor quite agreeable to the taste. Though 

 gently laxative, it is probably a wholesome fruit. 



The White 31ulberry (M. alba), a native of Asia, 

 is occasionally seen about houses, and is the tree 

 chiefly used on the old Continent for rearing silk- 

 worms. The Chinese Mulberry (M. multicaulis) is 

 only a variety of the Wfiite, of smaller size and larger 

 leaves. The Black Mulberry (M. nigra) of Europe is • 

 sometimes cultivated in this country, but I have not 

 observed it in this State. The Otaheite or Paper 

 Mulberry (Broussonetia papyrifera), a native of the 

 Pacific Islands, is common in our yards, and is com- 

 mendable for its rapid growth and heavy shade, but 

 becomes a nuisance from the numerous shoots spring- 

 ing everywhere from its spreading roots. 



Cedar, or Red Cedar. (Juniperus Virginiana, 

 Linn.) — Not uncommon throughout the country from 

 New England to the Gulf of Mexico, but the soil and 

 climate of the South are most favorable to its com- 

 plete development. It is from 30 to 40 feet high, 

 with a diameter of 10 to 12 inches, but is smaller in 

 the mountains and western parts of the State than 



