Sept. 1, 1865.] THE TECHNOLOGIST. 
CULTIVATION OF THE MULBERRY. 77 
the trench in such a fashion that their upper portions should be sup- 
ported by the unbroken ground, and the lower portion covered in with 
some of the earth taken from the trench, which must be slightly com- 
pressed with the hand ; on this should be placed a layer of stable 
manure, and finally, the remaining portion of the earth taken out of the 
trench. After the young plants have been set according to these direc- 
tions; the tops of them should be cut to within six inches of the ground, 
for the purpose of increasing the strength of the young plant. All the 
suckers springing up from the plant must be removed except the two 
strongest, which should be left for the purpose of giving support to the 
foot of the tree, and when they have gained sufficient strength they 
should be banked up with earth all round. The distance at which the 
plants, are to be set should be in accordance with the fertility of the soil, 
but they maybe set at a general average of three feet from the lines and 
fifteen inches from each other. No care, trouble, or expense must be 
spared to keep the ground well moved round the foot of the mulberry, 
in order to maintain the humidity of the soil, so necessary for the pro- 
duction of the vegetation of the tree. Most cultivators are aware that 
loose earth will retain its natural moisture for a longer period than that 
which is compressed ; it would, therefore, be advantageous to the growth 
of the tree to move the earth with a rake, in order that the rays of the 
sun might penetrate its roots. Heat and humidity are the most effectual 
natural agents in the rapid development of vegetation, more especially 
with regard to the mulbercy, which is indigenous to warm climates. 
In seasons of drought, it will be necessary to irrigate the ground along 
the trenches, and a few days afterwards to rake it over to admit the 
penetration of the heat, which had been nearly destroyed by the pre- 
vious irrigation, because the evaporation of the water is creating cold. 
These directions may, perhaps, appear minute to persons unacquainted 
with the greater importance of the matter, but I consider they are 
essential to the successful rearing of the young plants, and if they grow 
well and prosperous the first year they will be fit to be grafted in the 
second, and the graft will usually spring up a young tree in the course 
of the next season. 
