SUMMER CUTTINGS. tf 



as every rooted cutting will eventually be a reproduction of the tree 

 from which it was taken. This is not the case with plants raised from 

 seed, which always vary considerably from the parent. For this rea- 

 son some mulberry growers in Europe object to the seed method. 

 Some of the seedlings, even from a single parent tree, will vary 

 greatly in the value of the leaves for feeding purposes. Some will 

 be thin in texture and lacking in the necessary chemical constituents ; 

 some very hairy, while others will be thick, smooth, and in every 

 way desirable. Experienced mulberry growers, however, can readily 

 tell the value of a seedling tree for feeding purposes, and it is there- 

 fore possible to make a selection in this respect without much loss. 



LAYERING. 



Layering may be practiced when facilities for the other methods 

 are not at hand and when a large number of plants is not required. 

 It consists of bending down branches of low-growing trees or suckers 

 from the base of the trunk, cutting half way into the wood, then mak- 

 ing a cut of about an inch upward. This cut part of the shoot is 

 buried in the soil to the depth of 6 inches, the soil well firmed about 

 it, and a good-sized stone put on top. If kept moist, roots will soon 

 form. The operation of layering may be performed at any time dur- 

 ing the spring or early summer. Those shoots which have rooted may 

 be separated from the parent and planted at any time during the 

 autumn or early spring. When planting the rooted layer the top of 

 the shoot should be removed: this will induce a strong growth the 

 following summer. 



SUMMER CUTTINGS. 



Among seedling trees there will always be found individuals the 

 leaves of which possess great adaptability for feeding purposes, such 

 as suitable size and thickness and a less hairy surface than that ordi- 

 narily found. These should certainly be propagated to perpetuate 

 those desirable characteristics. 



Propagation should be started after the seedlings have made con- 

 siderable growth, in order to insure a good supply of wood, and these 

 plants should be increased by cuttings during the summer months. 

 At this season it is advisable to retain some of the leaves on the cut- 

 tings and give treatment which will prevent shriveling during the 

 process of rooting. The cuttings should be made from wood as ripe 

 as possible. The leaves, besides being well matured, should be healthy 

 and free from noxious insects. During July the lower parts of the 

 current season's shoots will be found in good condition for propa- 

 gating. 



Trim the cuttings similarly to those shown in Plate V. At least 

 two leaves shortened to one-half of their length should be allowed to 



119 



