ANSWER TO W. T. WALKER.

Thames Star, Volume VIII, Issue 2795, 29 January 1878, Page 2

ANSWER TO W. T. WALKER.

(To lhe Editor of the Evening Star.) Sib, —In reply to your correspondent, W. T. Walker, permit me to state that arrangements are in progress for supplying young mulberry trees to those who may desire them at the Thames, and that his other questions shall be answered as soon as possible. In the meantime we are much indebted to Mr Pemberton, of Auckland, for the following information collected by him:—" The common Cape mulberry is good for planting, as it grows quickly. The second year an education can be commenced, and while the Cape mulberry planted are thus being brought on, other kinds of mulberry that are not so quick growing are also planted. Of these, the Lhou, the old Morus Alba and I he Rose-leaf rariety of Lombrrdy are considered the best. Those who are anxious to procure mulberry trees fromVerrohnese territory, can obtain some now, I believe, from the Ladies' SericiiUural Association at Melbourne, or if not, from Messrs Malcolm Brothers at Venice, who are always ready to .^ire any assistance in establishing this industry. The seed of the Cape Mulberry may be obtained at Messrs Jacqueraeurt Bonnefont Pere et Fils, Annonay, Ardecho, France, at from 3 to 7 francs per pound, and as the seed, is only good for sowing a short time after it is gathered, it should be sent from France in May or June. A quarter of an acre of ground sown with .the abore seeds will yield sufficient leaves for an ounce of grain, or 49,CC0 worms. The ground should be ploughed in rows. These ploughed and scarified two or three times a year to keep down weeds, and then if the Rose-leaf Mulberry is planted round it will make, a Tery substantial hedfje, to as to gradually supersede tho Cape rariety; when old enough, the Lhou and Alba being the best for the main plantation. Dwarf trees are now considered the best, as requiring less labor in gathering the leaves. Pruning should be commenced at two feet from the ground. The second year Lhou, Alba, and Roseleaf should be pruned to one eye on each •mall branch at the top of each tree; all the others should be cut off. The best of these will make cuttings, and will strike if planted in sandy soil and well mulched. Ereryycar the branches should be cut back to one eye—never leave more than two eyes. The height of the stem should not exceed 2h feet from the ground to where the branches begin to spread. , The common Acacia is found to be the best shelter for the Mulberry, as it grows quickly, and makes a break wind. Suckers nre preferable, if they can be procured. It must be well borne in mind that both the quality and quantity of the leaves depend on the care given to the pruning and culture of the trees. Tod much manuring by prematurely forcing the growth is found to affect the food and to sicken the worm."—l am, Sir, your obedient servant, Albibt J. Aixom. Hon. Sec, Thames Serieultural Association.