106 



HOCKINGS' GARDEN" MANUAL. 



only mentioned to induce a fair trial of the different 

 sorts for silk culture, and is not intended as a proof 

 of the superiority of the sort used ; but it may be 

 found that the worms thrive here on a variety of mul- 

 berry not so well adapted for their food in a different 

 climate. A small-leafed mulberry is used in Italy for 

 this purpose, and if silk culture is ever carried on 

 here to any extent, it may be found desirable to intro- 

 duce it. 



Propagation : The mulberry may be propagated by 

 seeds, cuttings, grafting, budding, layers, or suckers. 

 The first is only used when it is either desired to raise 

 stocks upon which to bud or graft known sorts, or to 

 obtain new varieties. Cuttings one foot long, inserted 

 ten inches in a damp, sandy loam, will strike readily 

 and grow with great rapidity. 



Planting, soil, dkc. : The mulberry is often planted 

 on a lawn, that the fruit as it ripens may not be in- 

 jured when it falls. Berries falling without damage 

 are superior to those gathered. The trees should be 

 twenty feet apart ; and the soil most suitable for them 

 is a deep, rich, sandy loam, damp, but not wet. There 

 must be no stagnant water in the soil. 



Prvming : All crossed and crowded branches should 

 be removed at the winter pruning, and all straggling 

 shoots shortened one-third or one-half, according to 

 their strength. 



Manure ■: If grass covers the soil under the trees, a 

 liberal supply of liquid manure -should be given every 

 autumn ; but if cultivated, a dressing of solid manure 

 should be turned in lightly with a fork. 



THE NECTARINE. 



The nectaiine is classed by most English and 

 French gardeners along with peaches ; and considered 

 merely a smooth-skinned variety. It is, however, 



