(13) Growth of the mulberry for forage has gone forward in the United States so that for a large area the experimental stage for the tree is past (but not for the crop). In localities where the mulberry is not well established experiments are aided by the incomparable boons of low-cost trees, rapid growth, and ease of transplanting.
THE MULBERRY CROP IN THE UNITED STATES
Every claim that I have made for the mulberry has been backed up by correspondence with persons interested in mulberries or with interviews that I have had. In most cases my information comes from the statements of people who grow mulberries or are closely associated with those who did.
Mr. G. Harold Hume of the Glen Saint Mary Nurseries Company, Glen Saint Mary, Florida, wrote April 12, 1913, "All through the Southern States, mulberries are commonly used as feed for pigs and poultry. In North and South Carolina and Georgia nearly every pig lot is planted with these trees, and the mulberries form a very important addition to the pig's diet.[1] There is one variety, Hicks, which will give fruit for about sixty days, in some seasons even for longer.
- ↑ "In eastern North Carolina it is the common Practice to plant orchards of mulberry trees for hogs to run in." (W. F. Massey, Associate Editor, The Progressive Farmer, Raleigh, N. C, letter, March 11, 1913.)
"The everbearing mulberry in this country is so common as to occasion very little comment: in fact, they become unpopular on account of their profuse bearing, especially if there are not pigs and chickens enough to pick them up." (Letter, John S. Kerr. Texas Nursery Company, Sherman, Texas, November 19, 1913.)
"The mulberry grows 10 perfection, fruits abundantly, and is used both for hogs and for poultry." (Professor C. C. Newman, Clemson College, South Carolina.)
one good dormant spray per year to keep the tree in good health. This, however, is not a serious burden, especially as it is a winter job.
As the mulberry tree has been cultivated for ages over a wide region, this comparative pest-immunity is probably more dependable than it would be on a tree that has just come in from the forest and has not been subjected to the crowded conditions of artificial plantings. It is also probably a much safer tree than some fresh importation would be.
