8 SILKWOKM FOOD PLANTS. 



close upon 100 forms, one or two of which would probably answer all 

 purposes, while most of the silkworms reared in China are said to be 

 fed upon Morus multicaulis. This mulberry was largely planted in 

 the United States many years ago. Few, if any, of the original trees 

 remain, but specimens which are thought to be wild seedlings of these 

 are very plentiful in the Southern States. These trees are thoroughly 

 acclimated and free from disease. It is therefore probable that there 

 is now in the United States an abundant supply of material for propa- 

 gating purposes, at least. 



It is intended to show in these pages how the mulberry may be prop- 

 agated and grown so as to provide the maximum amount of leaves 

 for the food supply of the worms. The white mulberry, under good 

 cultivation, is a low-growing tree, seldom attaining a greater height 

 than 25 or 30 feet. It will reach this height in a comparatively few 

 years after planting. Although it will live to a good old age, its 

 growth, like that of most other trees, is most rapid when young. As 

 the trees attain their full height they become stocky and make a mul- 

 titude of small growths, from which flowers and fruit are produced. 

 The fruit, which is usually abundant, is not a favorite in this country, 

 being generally considered too sweet and insipid. In shape it may be 

 said to resemble more or less that of an elongated blackberry. In the 

 vicinity of Washington the trees flower about the middle of May and 

 ripen their fruit during June. 



METHODS OF REPRODUCTION. 



The usual methods of propagation in use for fruit trees are employed 

 with varying degrees of success in the case of the mulberry. These 

 methods consist of budding, grafting, layering, cuttings, and seeds. 



Grafting and budding are by far the most expensive methods, and it is 

 doubtful if the results justify their use, so far as raising mulberry trees 

 is concerned. Part of the work connected with budding and grafting 

 consists in raising stocks, which are seldom large enough for use until 

 they are two years old. At this age, the buds or grafts are inserted, 

 and then troubles previously undreamed of present themselves to the 

 inexperienced cultivator. Were the mulberry tree as easily managed 

 so far as budding or grafting is concerned as is the peach, the use of 

 these methods would be feasible, but unfortunately the mulberry is 

 far from being an easy subject in this respect, and a few failures are 

 apt to produce disappointment and disgust. It will frequently happen 

 that old trees must either be removed or desirable varieties worked 

 on them; budding or grafting ma}^ be resorted to in such cases. 



Layering consists in bending down a portion of a branch so that its 

 stem after being notched may take root in the ground while still 

 attached to the parent tree. It is a cumbersome method, however. 



