Describing this system further, Mencius states that each family should plant mulberry trees around its five-acre homestead in its own field so that its aged members may be clothed with silk.

• 孟子进一步描绘这个制度说，各家在其私田中五亩宅基的周围，要种上桑树，这样，老年人就可以穿上丝稠了。