I06 SEVENTH REPORT OF THE FOREST, FISH AND GAME COMMISSION. 



well if grafted upon oak sprouts or seedlings. In France and England the chestnut 

 has been grafted upon the English oak {Qucrcus robiis) for years. In this country 

 the U. S. Division of Pomology found by experiments that several varieties of 

 European chestnuts, including the Paragon, Numbo and Ridgely, grow well on our 

 chestnut oak {Qucrcus prinus). In Central Pennsylvania the Paragon has been seen 

 grafted upon red oak (Qucrcus rubra) with evident success. This adaptability of 

 the chestnut to thrive on oak stocks materially increases its range and possibilities. 



It is essential that a good grafting wax be used if success is to be attained. An 

 excellent wax is the following from an original formula by Mr. C. K. Sober, Lewis- 

 burg, Pa.: Resin, 2 pounds; beeswax, 2 pounds; beef tallow, )^ pound. The 

 whole to be melted together and worked into a wax upon cooling. 



Another wax recommended by the U. S. Division of Pomology for nut trees is: 

 Linseed oil or tallow, i pound; resin, 6 pounds; beeswax, i pound. ]\Ielt all the 

 ingredients together, pour into water to cool, and knead into balls of convenient 

 size. 



As to species it is hard to say anything definite, because local conditions so 

 greatly affect species and the final results. The Numbo, Paragon and various 

 Japanese varieties take well on American stocks. From the experience of the prac- 

 tical men in the business, and from personal observation, it seems, however, safe to 

 recommend the Paragon as the best for general propagation in chestnut groves. 

 With whichever variety is chosen for the main crop, trees of another variety should 

 be mixed in so that cross-pollinization may be effected, although there is some 

 uncertainty as to whether this is absolutely essential. 



Marvestincr. 



With the exception of the Paragon the imported chestnuts have burs which open 

 when the nuts are ripe, allowing them to fall to the ground, where they may be col- 

 lected. It may be mentioned here that the frost performs no direct function in 

 ripening the nuts, although there exists a widespread notion to the contrary. The 

 process of ripening is gradual, and is usually finished before frosts occur. The part 

 the frost really plays is in checking the growth of the tree, and thus causing the 

 withdrawal of the sap from the twigs and burs. This reduction in moisture results 

 in a shrinkage in parts of the bur; the outer, thinner, and more exposed portion 

 drys more rapidly than the thicker inner part around and at the base of the nuts. 

 It is this unequal shrinkage which causes tlie involucre to open. A long rain, fol- 

 lowed by drying weather, is often equally effective in opening the burs. 



