CI)e^tnat Cctltare in tl)e Rortf)ea^^tern 



CInited ^tate^. 



By E. a. sterling. 



CONTINENTAL EUROPE, by reason of its long-established civilization, 

 density of population, and development of its natural resources, is able to 

 teach a much needed lesson in conservation to the wasteful young nations, 

 among which the United States is a fair sample. Especially in the development of 

 the various branches of forestry, most of the old world countries have taken marked 

 precedence over us; and everywhere abroad a more complete utilization of all 

 major and minor forest products is found, together with a more careful provision 

 for the future needs of the people, than in this country. 



Cbestnat Caltare Abroad. 



As it is the chestnut with which we are now concerned we must look to Italy, 

 Spain, and parts of France for our lesson, as there will be found the highest devel- 

 opment of this branch of forestry, or horticulture, whichever it deserves to be 

 called. 



In Italy the chestnut has long been of great commercial value, ranking in many 

 parts with the grape and olive as a source of revenue, but more often serving as a 

 cheap and nutritious food supply to the poor peasant than as an article of com- 

 merce. Wherever found in the countries bordering the Mediterranean, whether 

 growing naturally or in cultivated orchards, the chestnut is highly prized, both on 

 account of its finely flavored nuts and its valuable wood. 



In the uses of the chestnut the Italians are connoisseurs, and from them we 

 have much to learn as to the methods used in preparing it for food. Their ability 

 to dry and preserve the niits so that they retain all of their original flavor and 

 sweetness, without becoming dry and unpalatable, is an unpracticed art with us, but 

 one which necessity will soon compel us to acquire if the nuts continue to grow in 

 popular favor. On the streets of many foreign cities the nuts are sold by street 

 venders the year around, as peanuts are in American cities, while among the com- 



87 



