The union Democrat., 1870-05-14
si,k-cal.ar. in california.

To commence the culture of silk in Calitor-
MIA is now comparatively an easy matter.
Eight or ten years ago labor and materials
we're custly, while eggs and cuttings were
dit6euls to be obtained, and every thing had
10 be learned by experiment. Now sdcn la.
Dor as we'll serve for this business can be had
at low rates material for building and fenc-
ing is cheap, while eggs for Matching can be
procured conveniently and at little cost, cut
tings for planting being obtainable at mere
nominal figures, and even without charge In
many places. Not much land is needed,
though it should be of a good quality, and Is
the better for having southerly or eastelly
exposure. Deep blowing and thorough culti-
vatiou are necessary at first, though the trees,
after attaining few Of age, and being set
eut In plantations, require but little care.
The tree can be grown from the root. from
the seed, or from cuttings-the latter being
the most common mode of propagation ia
California. Is grows in this State so readily
and vigorously that no mannripg Is needed,
the shuots set out in the winter yielding o
considerable quantity of leaves suitable tor
feeding the young worms the following sum
mer. In twelve months from planting, the
trees have reached height of ten or fifteen
feet, with corresponding growth of trunk.
and are ready for regular cropping at the end
of three years, being often cut back year
earlier. Neither in Japan, China. nor any
European country do the trees grow so rapid
y or yield SO large an amount OF LEAKAGE es
in California, nor will they elsewhere hear
such close and frequent stripping of their
leaves and branches. The mulberry-tree in
California generally attains as large growth
ani is as prolific of food for the worm at three
years, as in France at five years. Owing to
the vitality and recuperative power OF the
tree here, the plan of cutting of the branches
with the leaves on, instead of plucking the
latter and feeding them to the worms, is gen
orally praoticed after the insects arc week
or ten days old. In but few countries would
the trees be able to recover themselves, and
at once put forth new shoots, after such ex-
tensve mutilations. By this method of gath
ering the food much labor is saved, while the
worm, crawling upon the branches, attacks
the leaf in natural way, insuring cleanl-
ness to itself and economy of food. In sup
plying the shoots after this manner, four are
first laid down in the form of square, cross
ing each other at the ends. As fast as the
leaves are deyoured, four new branches are
added !; rectangular pen being thus built
up, with fresh leaves, and the worms feeding
upon them constantly at the top. The litter,
eruria aud drorpings now fall below. and the
worms are easily removed. BY this plan
ventilation is also secured-this, as well as
cleanliness, being essential in every cocoon
cry. In countries having humid atmos-
phere, it is important that no debris of any
kind be suffered to accumulate, as the gases
generated by their decomposition, and even
the bad odors caused by their presence, en-
danger the life of the worms. In California.
however, such extreme care is necessary, the
drvness of the atmosphere countcracting de-
composition to such an extent that no removal
Gf these waste matters is called for during the
latter half of the worms existence. From
SIX Culture IN California;" in OVERLAND
MONTHLY for Kay.