16 THE MULBERRY AND OTHER SILKWORM FOOD PLANTS. 



Shield budding consists in selecting a stock, either a branch or stem, 

 from which the bark slips readily. In raising the bark of the stock 

 for the reception of the bud, the work is similar to that described for 

 scion or sprig budding. The bud is usually selected from dormant 

 wood kept over winter in ashes or sand, but for this there exists no 

 necessity, because there is always present an abundance of dormant 

 buds on a growing plant, and these answer the purpose much better 

 than buds from dormant wood. To remove them, make an incision 

 in the stem with a sharp knife about five-eighths of an inch below the 

 bud : bring the blade up under the bud. severing a section of bark 

 one-quarter of an inch in width, with the bud in the center. Bring 

 the blade out a little above the bud. If this operation is neatly per- 

 formed, the bud will require no further trimming before being in- 

 serted under the bark. The bark of the stock is then firmly bound 

 over that of the bud and the parts kept in position with raffia or soft 

 string. Xo waxing is necessary. The union should take place within 

 fifteen days, after which the ligature should be loosened or removed, 

 as proves necessary. 



RAISING STOCKS FOR GRAFTING AND BUDDING. 



In grafting and budding from any particular variety which it is 

 desired to perpetuate, the Eussian mulberry {Moras alba var. 

 tatarica) is the one used as stocks. It is of a robust-growing nature 

 and has been found well adapted to the soils and climates of all the 

 agricultural belts of the United States. It is this variety that is so 

 much used in the TTest and Xorthwest for hedges, as it is the hardi- 

 est of all the mulberries. 



Stocks are best raised from seeds, and a supply for this purpose 

 should be obtained from a reliable source to avoid unnecessary delay 

 and disappointment. The sowing and the subsequent management of 

 the seedlings are the same with stocks as with seedlings for general 

 planting, except that when planted in nursery rows they should be 

 placed about a foot apart so as to give an abundance of space for the 

 operator. 



SOIL. 



So far as has been ascertained, the mulberry is not particular as 

 to the character of the soil in which it is planted. It seemingly grows 

 equally well in a great variety of well-drained soils. Even in sandy 

 and gravelly situations it holds its own. In shallow soils over hard- 

 pan the mulberry thrives after mo>t of our fruit and ornamental 

 trees have given up the struggle. Under the same conditions the Per- 

 sian mulberry has been found to fruit abundantly. 



Xotwithstanding its behavior under what would be supposed 

 adverse conditions, there are few plants which respond more vigor- 



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