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XIV. On the best Mode of Pruning and Training the Mul- 

 berry Tree, when trained to a wall, in a cold climate. By 

 Thomas Andrew Knight, Esq. F. R. S. fyc. President. 



Read January 6, 1818. 



Mk . Williams has given some very excellent directions 

 for the management of the Mulberry tree, when trained to a 

 wall, in the second volume of the Horticultural Transactions, 

 page 91, and in the cultivation of that, as of other species of 

 fruits, he is most eminently successful. His tree is suffered 

 to protrude its bearing branches, as spurs, several inches 

 from the wall : and in the soil and climate of Pitmaston 

 (both of which are extremely favourable), the fruit ripens in 

 great perfection, and abundance. But in cold situations 

 (and it is chiefly in such that the Mulberry tree will be 

 found to deserve a place upon a south wall), little fruit will 

 be produced, and that will ripen but ill, unless the bearing 

 wood be brought closely into contact with the wall ; and the 

 great width of the leaves, and vigorous habit of the tree, 

 present some difficulties to the cultivator, when this mode 

 of training and pruning is adopted. It will be found neces- 

 sary to diminish the luxuriant growth of the tree, and at the 

 same time to increase its disposition to bear fruit. Such 

 effects, may, however, be readily produced by several dif- 

 ferent means ; by destroying a small portion of the bark, in 

 a line extending round the trunk, or large branches, or 



