on
account of the colour of its fruit, which is of a dark purple, nearly
black. This kind came originally from Persia, but is now, like the
white mulberry, found in all civilised countries. It is cultivated more
for ornament and shade than for feeding silkworms; though it is put to
this use in some parts, especially in cold climates, where the other
species does not thrive. They are easily distinguished from each
other--the bark of the black being much rougher and darker. The wood of
the latter is not so firm nor heavy as the white, but it is also
durable, and is used in England for hoops, wheels, and ribs of small
vessels. In Spain, Italy, and Persia, they prefer the leaves of the
black for feeding the silkworm. They are also eaten by cattle, sheep,
and goats. The roots when prepared are used as a vermifuge. The fruit
has a pleasant aromatic taste; and is eaten both raw and in preserves,
or mixed with cider makes an agreeable drink. The Greeks distil a clear
weak brandy out of them; and in France they make a wine from these
mulberries--which must be drunk while it is new, as it soon turns to
vinegar. This fruit is good for fevers and rheumatisms; and it is much
sought after by birds and all kinds of poultry, who devour it greedily.

"So much for the white and black mulberry-tree. We now come to the
third species, the red (_Morus rubra_).

"That is the red before your face," continued Lucien, pointing to the
trees, which he had already designated. "It is so called from the
fruit, which, as you know, are of a dark red colour, and resemble red
raspberries more than anything in the world. Some of these trees, you
see, are nearly seventy feet in height, though it usually does not reach
so high. You notice the leaves. The are heart-shaped, many of them ten
inches long, and nearly as broad as long. They are dark green and
rough, and for feeding the silkworm quite useless where the white
mulberry grows. They form a delightful shade, however; and this is one
of the uses of this beautiful tree. The fruit, too, is, in my opinion--
and I think Francois will agree with me--quite equal to the best
raspberries. As for the wood, it is much used in the dockyards of the
Southern states. It is of a pale lemon colour; and is considered more
durable for trenails than any other--that of the locust excepted.

"The red mulberry, like the white and black species, runs into several
varieties, differing considerably from e