October 6, 1894. 
THE GARDENING WORLD 
98 
encouraged by real lovers of horticulture, who were 
satisfied that others should reap the advantages 
which their labour secured. For the tree makes but 
tardy returns; it matures very slowly, and its fruit 
is not of great account until it has attained a consid¬ 
erable age. It was long thought that the earliest 
Mulberry cuttings were brought to this country 
from the East by the Templars and Knights of St. 
John, who planted them in Kent. But it is probable 
that many richly canopied trees were even then 
flourishing in the secluded gardens of the religious 
houses. Only from the tenants of such establish¬ 
ments were they likely to meet with the patience 
which the deliberate nature of their development 
exacts from their custodians. A Mulberry, long 
famous at Sion House, is said to have been planted 
by the Duke of Northumberland in 1548 ; but though 
for many years this challenged attention as one of 
the oldest living specimens, it is quite certain that it 
had many predecessors in England. 
What may be called the second era of the Mul¬ 
berry existence in England bore for a short time a 
more utilitarian aspect. Late in the sixteenth 
century Henry IV. introduced the culture of the 
silkworm into France; and, not to be behindhand 
with his Royal cousin, James I. made a similar 
attempt in England shortly afterwards. In this 
enterprise the French King had the assistance of the 
famous De Serres, known as the " Father of French 
agriculture,” who soon covered the neigbourhood of 
Paris with Mulberry trees. But, as the inhabitants 
failed to manage the silkworms successfully, they 
soon grew tired of the attempt, and uprooted the 
newly-planted [trees which were to further it. In 
England, also, the project came to nothing, but 
from a different cause. It has been said that, “ to 
produce the best silk, the Mulberry requires the 
same soil and exposure as the Vine does to produce 
the best wine ; ” but it is likely enough that the 
result, among ourselves, was as much due to the 
national character as to the supposed unfitness of the 
climate. In the present condition of horticultural 
science there would be no difficulty in producing any 
amount of food, and rearing any number of silk¬ 
worms, in England ; and the difficulties experienced 
in a former day were not intrinsically more formida¬ 
ble or less capable of being dealt with. There was, 
however, a seeming effeminacy about the pursuit 
which by no means accorded with the national 
turn of mind, and our ancestors steadfastly declined 
to regard themselves as a silk-growing people. But 
as James I. persevered for some time in his crotchet, 
Mulberry trees became the fashion, and it was 
considered a loyal proceeding to plant as many of 
them as possible. 
John Evelyn was amongst those who warmly 
espoused the cause of silkworm culture in England ; 
but he was really less concerned for the success of 
the new industry than for the increase of his dearly- 
loved trees that must have ensued from it. At all 
events Mulberry gardens became the rage, and many 
of the lieges who could not plant a garden devoted 
their attention to a single tree. James I. had set 
the example in 1609 by establishing the famous 
garden which afterwards supplied the scene and 
title of Sir Charles Sedley s best-known comedy, 
and which was long thought to have occupied the 
site of Buckingham Palace. Later investigations 
have, however, shown this to be incorrect. As a 
matter of fact, it consisted of the ground now 
covered by Arlington Street, and of portions of the 
Green and St. James’s Parks- In 1629 Lord Ashton 
was appointed curator of this establishment, includ¬ 
ing the silkworms, but, as the whole scheme was a 
failure, the gardens were afterwards converted into 
a place of public recreation. Such success as this 
subsequently attained was due to the fact that 
Cromwell shut up and took forcible possession of 
the more popular Spring Gardens. But its reputa¬ 
tion was never very great. In May, 1654, as John 
Evelyn records, " My Lady Gerrard treated me at 
Mulberry Garden, now the only place of refresh¬ 
ment about the town for persons of the best quality 
to be exceedingly cheated at.” Fourteen years 
later, when Mr. Samuel Pepys paid his first visit to 
the Mulberry Garden, he found it a ‘‘ silly place, 
with but little company.” Nevertheless, the reign 
of James I. was the most important period of the 
cultivation of the Mulberry tree in England. Nor 
is it ever likely to receive the same amount of atten¬ 
tion for its fruit or picturesque appearance, as it 
was then awarded as an object of supposed profit¬ 
able trading. 
Probably the chief reason for the neglect into 
which the mulberry has fallen is the exceedingly 
perishable nature of its fruit. It is said that every 
berry on a tree has but a single day of perfection ; 
of little value therefore but at the very crisis of 
fruition, it shrinks at that moment from the most 
delicate touch, and can only be brought to market 
at the great risk of the grower. For this reason, 
although among the most delicious and refreshing 
productions of the autumn months, the mulberry is 
almost a stranger to our markets. Its wealth of 
refreshing juice lies so near the surface, and is pro¬ 
tected by so fragile a covering, that it will not 
submit to the rough usage of the market place. 
Shakespeare alludes to this fact in the advice which 
Volumnia gives to her son in the play of 
Coriolanus :— 
“ Correcting thy stout heart. 
Now humble as the ripest mulberry 
That will not hold the handling.” 
In the last century Mulberry juice was regarded 
almost as a specific for gouty and rheumatic affec¬ 
tions, and the syrup was extensively used both for 
medicines and confections. Devonshire was then 
famous for a particular kind of cyder, made by mix¬ 
ing a certain proportion of ripe berries with the 
Apple pulp in the press. The beverage resulting 
from this union was highly prized; and it may be 
supposed that its present scarcity is due to an ever- 
decreasing number of the Mulberry trees in the dis¬ 
trict which produced it. From its habit of with¬ 
holding its buds until every sign of frost has 
vanished, Cowley named it the "Cautious Mul¬ 
berry.” And old Fuller says of it, “ It is a tree 
which may pass for the emblem of prudence; slow 
in consultation, swift in execution ; for it putteth 
forth its leaves the last of all trees, but then all in 
one night. The Mulberry trains readily against a 
sheltered wall; it will submit to the espalier pro¬ 
cess , while, planted in a large pot and raised under 
glass, it becomes not only a beautiful object to the 
eye, but yields fruit of surpassing richness and 
flavour. 
LAPAGERIAS. 
Whilst these pretty Chilian climbers are deservedly 
held in exceptionally high esteem, it is very rare 
indeed that we meet with them so thoroughly at 
home as they are at Park Place, Henley-on-Thames. 
The late owner of this fine establishment was 
especially fond of and took particular pride in these 
beautiful greenhouse climbers. Although they are 
planted in several of the houses, in one (the cool 
Orchid house) there is an especially fine display. 
The house in question is a small light span roof 
running east and west, nearly. Upon the stages, 
which are about 3 ft. 6 in. in height,a collection of cool 
house Orchids are arranged, the Lapagerias covering 
the roof above them. Regularly each year, from July 
to the beginning or middle of October, this house 
affords one of the most pleasing pictures imaginable. 
The long growths with their profusion of waxy 
white or coral red flowers hang from the roof almost 
upon the heads of those who walk beneath them. 
They are planted in a compost of peat and sand, and 
the roots are enclosed in ordinary brick beds. 
Needless to say abundant supplies of water are 
given. Indeed, at no time of the year are the roots 
allowed to get dry. Occasional supplies of farmyard 
manure also are applied during spring and summer. 
If green fly makes its appearance, light fumiga¬ 
tions are made, which soon settle it, or induce it to 
seek fresh fields and pastures new. Slugs are perhaps 
the greatest enemies of the Lapageria, and certainly 
they are of all others the most to be dreaded. They 
are particularly fond of the young suckers thrown up 
from the roots, and if not watched pretty closely, 
will eat them off as fast as they appear. It is 
advisable, therefore, to surround the young shoots 
with a piece of cotton wool as a safeguard against 
the inquisitive propensities of the pests in question. 
A pinch of salt spread round the young stem at an 
inch or so from it, so as to form a ring, will answer 
the same purpose, for the slugs will not cross the 
salt. 
Again, it will be almost useless to attempt to grow 
Lapagerias if they are trained to galvanized iron 
wire, for they will absolutely refuse to grow. I will 
not pretend to say why it is—I will leave that for 
some explorer of the realms of science, but I do say 
that it is so. Although I have seen some fairly good 
plants grown upon copper wire, I do not care very 
much for its use. By far the best material is com¬ 
mon string. The young succulent shoots will cling 
to this most lovingly, and no apprehension need be 
entertained as to their well-doing. 
One very important item that should enter into 
the calculations of those who intend to plant 
Lapagerias is the selection of a good variety. There 
are several sorts upon the market, and although, like 
the boy with the biscuits I will not call any of them 
bad, some are decidedly better than others.— G. 
Hardening Miscellany. 
AUTUMN TINTS. 
I have not referred back for dates as to the time 
when the trees have usually assumed their autumn 
tints in recent years, but I have an impression that 
they are doing so very early this year, a result 
certainly not of drought. This somewhat unexpected 
result has, I think, been brought about by the 
absence of sunlight accompanied by the unusual 
amount of moisture in the air. Some Elm trees and 
Sycamores I pass daily are quite yellow; and, 
while still green, Apples are fast shedding their 
leaves.— W. U. G. 
TUBEROUS BEGONIAS. 
Although the culture of the Tuberous Begonia in 
pots is at all times extremely simple—to those who 
know how to go about it—they are ape at this time 
of year to be treated rather carelessly. Where they 
have been standing in a conservatory or show 
house during the summer, as soon as they begin to get 
unsightly, they areoften treated with scant mercy. 
Oh ! they are done with is the thought, which if not 
expressed is often acted upon—out they go. Perhaps 
they are bundled into a cold frame, and no water 
at all given them, with the consequence that the too 
sudden transition from plenty of water to none at 
all, causes material injury to the tubers. The ripen¬ 
ing, and drying off process should be a gradual and 
a natural one, and great care should be exercised 
that undue pressure is not used in the removal of 
the half-ripened stems, which should be allowed to 
stay upon the tubers until they naturally dropoff —Z. 
FERNS FOR BASKETS. 
I do not wish to even appear critical, but a few 
remarks may be made respecting the article on 
“Ferns for Baskets” in your issue of the 22nd ult. 
■ Felices ” speaks of Adiantum caudatum being 
known in gardens as Adiantum ciliatum. The two 
are quite distinct, at least as distinct as Adiantum 
cuneatum and Adiantum gracillimum, though in 
a different way. Asplenium foeniculaceum is not a 
variety of A. fragrans. Davallia parvula is scarcely 
fit for baskets, as its fronds are only about one inch 
long and of very slow growth. We are credited 
with the honour of sending out Nephrolepis daval- 
lioides furcans. This honour, however, I believe 
belongs to Messrs. J. Veitch & Sons. Woodwardia 
radicans frequently attains a length of ten ft. The 
remarks generally in the article by “Filices” are 
very good.— J. Birkenhead. 
-« l—- 
Qae$CI0n$ ADD ADSOJGRS. 
Asparagus Bed.— Jersey: The bed ought to be 
trenched 2 ft. or 3 ft. deep and well manured. If 
the soil is heavy and clayey great part or the whole 
of it should be removed and its place taken by rich 
and lighter materials. See that the drainage is 
naturally good, otherwise it will be necessary to 
have a drain to conduct away the superfluous mois¬ 
ture. Brick bats or rubble should be placed over 
the bottom to the depth of 9 in. or a foot. Should 
the soil naturally be good and the drainage perfect, 
trenching and manuring will be the chief points to 
observe. The fowls’ manure you mention is 
excellent, but very powerful and liable to burn the 
plants if applied in too great quantity. The best 
plan would be to use a sprinkling over the bed in 
spring, when the plants commence to grow, and 
another in July. Being near the sea you should 
employ the sandy seaweed cast upon the shore, and 
use it as a winter top-dressing. It is excellent for 
Asparagus, which is a seaside plant in its wild state. 
Farmyard manure is also a good winter covering for 
the bed. In a bed 6 ft. wide you can get four rows, 
the outer ones 9 in. from the edge of the bed and 18 
in. from line to line. The plants should be 18 in. 
apart in the rows to give them justice. At this rate 
you would require 120 good plants to fill the bed 
you mention. 
Caterpillars on Chrysanthemums.— A. B. The 
Chrysanthemum is occasionally attacked by a large 
number of insects but particularly by the caterpillars 
of various moths which usually feed on low growing 
plants of many different kinds. Several of them are 
large moths, but those you sent were the caterpillars 
of a small moth belonging to the Tineina or 
Tortrices, but very probably the former. The 
moths of those groups are so numerous and the cater¬ 
pillars so much alike, that it is impossible to 
distinguish or determine their names in the 
caterpillar stage. We do not recollect the Chry- 
