1To Thomas Jefferson from Willem H. van Hasselt, 20 June 1802 (Jefferson Papers)
...to give them out gratis to any local people who show an interest in this kind of cultivation. But one essential thing is lacking, Sir, to obtain the success I wish: all the white mulberry trees in America, without exception, are wild, as are all that come from seeds. And although I agree that wild stock produces beautiful silk, it is nevertheless too light and does not benefit the farmer...