78 



All plants set out in the orchard should have but one steni^ if such 

 are to be had, and more than two sliould never be allowed. These stems 

 should be kept free from limbs to a height of about fifteen or eighteen 

 inches. 



In pruning filberts I would above all call attention to the suckers 

 which must be completely eradicated every season, or as soon as they 

 make their appearance. The growth of suckers and the want of the 

 necessary pruning will make the filbert inxjur gardens or orchards com- 

 pletely barren, nothing but rank wood will be obtained year after year. 

 All plants should be kept well open in the center and if necessary 

 some limbs must be removed entirely, not simply cut back. This is 

 important. 



The height of tlie plants should not exceed eight to ten feet. To 

 accomplish this pruning should be done accordlingly Grom youth 

 up. Obstructing or contrary growing limbs should always be removed 

 and a pretty shape of the plant as near as possible maintained. 



Insects or disease so far have not troubled us, and no spraying has 

 ever been necessary. Of blight not the slightest sign has ever ap- 

 peared among our plants. 



It seems to me that filberts imported from northern Europe stand 

 our climate better than those from the island of Sicily, Italy or other 

 south European countries. Our original imported stock plants from 

 northern Germany are as healthty today as when planted fifteen years 

 ago. 



All land between the orchard rows could well be used for several 

 years for small growing crops like potatoes, beets, beans, carrots, etc. 

 The income from such crops would be quite an item towards paying 

 ■*'nr land and labor until the filberts produce a fair commercial harvest. 



Question : How long does it take the filbert plant to mature and 

 yield properly? 



Mr. Spencer: I do not think Mr. Vollertsen said in his paper, 

 but I understand that the filbert tree will bear in about four years. 



Question: I do not know anything about the nut proposition, but 

 some question seems to have arisen here as to raising nuts and the 



