THE PLAINS OF HOMBARDY.

Taihape Daily Times, 8 January 1918, Page 3

THE PLAINS OF HOMBARDY.

WHAT THE FIGHTING MEANS. The threat to the Lombardy Plains recalls Addison's explanation why the inhabitants of northern Italy especially dread that these fertile lowlands should ever be a field of battle (says the London Daily Chronicle) _ In that dire event, he tells us, the rows of white mulberry trees, which are notable features of the landscape, would be destroyed, and their destruction would spell ruin to many industries. For leaves feed swarms of silkworms, swine and poultry fatten' on the fallen fruit, the trunks of the trees were props for the vines, and the spreading, unbrageous branches gave to the cornfields desired protection from the fierce heat of the summer sun. All w-hich is as true to-day as two centuries ago. The fall of the leaves provides a free supply of valuable fertilisers for the allotment, of which holders take full advantage. In most suburbs" possessing fine avenues you may see the enthusiasts busy of a morning collecting sackfuls of dead leaves, to the benefit of their holdings and the considerable relief of wayfarers.