Southern Argus. [volume] (Columbus, Miss.) 1834-1842, 1840-02-04
MtsrfII


SOIL BEST ADAPTED TO THE Null
BERRY.
GREAT variety Of opinion prevails among e.
ven the Oldest and most skillful silk growers,
relative to the nature ofthe soil best adapted
10 the growth Of the mulberry. In Europe,
the question has been discussed with much
zeal and no little feeling. Asthe multlcaulls is
an exotic, it has been considered matter Of
importance TO ascertain the character ct the
native soil in which itis known TO have -four,
ished most luxurantyin the Eastern Chimes.
Some have contended that il was originally
found only in the rich SlHvia of the rivers
others, and among them the French AgricuItu-
rists, affirm that il abounds in the highest lati-
tudcs in China and in the most mountainous
and barren regions, requiring only to be pro-
teeted in the winter seasons. Sheer necessi-
ty has excited TO industry and introduced such
perfect system OF culture there, that the tree
seems to be successfully grown in almost eve
nv part ofthe Chinese empire whittier Europe
an curiosity and daring have yet penetrated
The Multicauls in France and even Italy, has
much less luxuriant growth than IN this coun-
try. In fact, it would seem that there is pc
culiar adoption IN both our soil and climate 10
its culture. So remarkably is this the case,
that our most experienced and ohservant grow
ers recommend planting IN the less fertile lands
do uGbiGA G0iCuAdlCu " dAbi-
Gle of manufactured silk Mr.. Whitmash in
his work upon the mulberry, makes the follow
ing sensible remarks.
The soil most suitable for the production of
good silk is gravely ioam on a subsoil of gFa-
vel and sand Stony lands, hills and elevated
plains are suitable, or any warm dry soil A
rich loamI is not so good. Clay is not suitable
trees will grow in it well enough, but it viii
produce awatery leaf
There are millions of acres wing waste in
Virginia, the Carolnas and Georgia, which
would produce rich crops of silk and clothe the
now desolate commons with the most beanti-
full foliage; and what is BETTER help to clothe
the poor, feed the hungry and raise the droop-
ing spirits of thousands who now find 1t diff
, cult to sustain themselves, and whowould, /
am sure, gladly avail themselves of any oppor-
tunity of obtaining profitable and healthy en-
ployment.
The raising of silk is as interesting as it is.
profitable. 1t is not lahorious or difficult, nor
does itrequire large capital tits happily with
IN the means Of the most humble, and offers to
all who will undertake it a rich return.
I would suggest TO landholders in the vicin-
lily Of towns, that by planting their light soils
with mulberry trees they would not only insure
to themselves a large and increasing income,
but enjoy the satisfaction Of giving pleasant
and healthy employment to hundreds of fami-
lies who may not be in situation to provide
it for themselves. Light land planted with the
mulberry win yield large profit by the sale of
the leaves only, or by having them fed on
shares.
Every farm has more or less of black vege-
table matter collected in hoilows and swaInps,
usually called mHck, which is a superior ma
nure for the mulberry, causingit TO flourish on
very light and sandy soils. The muck should
be thrown up he fall to freeze and sweeten,
as the gardners say before planting the trees
put il into the burrows or holes and the trees
once started in It, will continue to flourish fol
many years. No mulberry tree should be ma
nured with fresh barn manure; itisr rank poi
son to them, and is one great cause of their be
mo wiuter-killed. The well.rotted vegetable
matter above mentioned is the best and mos
durable manure. II causes thrifty natura
growth. A little ashes or lime may improve
IN acme cases, Old wooden rags, bones, fsl
and all animal substances, are useful; but tn
muck, which is within reach Of almost ever
one is the cheapest and on large scale tn
main thing to be depended on.
Mulberres when planted out, should be KEEP
clear Of grass and weeds, and the ground loos
about them. They delight in mellow sol
and when once establishedin healthy stat
viii continue to improve for twenty-five year
If well used. We are told by some, that 6 tl
more YOU pick them the faster they viii grow,
the falacy Of which must appear TO every on
whofora moment consider the nature OF the OF
Grafton Of stripping a tree Of its foliage once
more every season.
Ia making plantation for the culture OF sil
we must suppose it Of course to be perma
neut one which shall be continued source
profit, the profit increasing with the age an
growth of the tree, If well used; and Rothin
is better repaid than good care and cultiyatio
for the mulberry. We shall need much lei
care than the cultvators OF Europe, as the mu
berry thrives much better in this country an
makes a much more luxuriant growth
much so indeed, that have seen I'M eligei
mon, who had extensive acquaintance and e.
perience with the mulberry in France and It
", quite at loss amidst onr fields, to reco
nize their old OBSERVATION-DISCLOSURES whlC
they have long cultivated at home are he
quite changed in appearance. They cou
scarcely believe the fact, when eh0Yn year
growth Of the mulberry IN this countrys
In consideration Of the vigorous growth, v
should give more space for our standard tree
sas by our system Of cutting them down eve
year they will spread over larger space
Eight feet by four is quite near enough for Il
vigorously growing kinds. They win meet
a few years, and when leaves are deprived
sun and ar, they are Of little use to the 81
grower.
The mulberry delights in the hottest sd
shine--never too hot, If moisture is SEASONAL
supplied. Our bright sunshine and freque
showers, cause an almost TOO luxuriant grow
of the tree which in some cases IS detrimeni
to the worms.
The leaves are undoubtedly improved BY t
are Of the tree, having less Of the rough, bar
taste and feeling, that are common to the plal
of younger growth.
The soil as have before observed must
warm, nravelly or sandy. Il isotten sad y
'ithe poorest land is The best ior ne mum
W." II may with truth be sa'd that the llt
lands Of farm--too light fof profit ~ Of
crops-lnoy be most adraniae eously PLAN
with the mulberry, end IN ltH years. BY p
ner treatment be made more profitable II
frhar landa. nlaufed with other cfooQ. he