80 State Horticultural Society. 



considered fit only for hogs to crack. It recently has grown in 

 favor with many, for its peculiarly rich aromatic flavored kernel. 



The tree is found in abundance on rich hillsides or gulches ; it 

 is a small spreading tree, very hardy and quite productive. The 

 nut is of elongated shape, often 21/2 to 3 inches in length, corru- 

 gated or ribbed shell, which is quite hard. These, like, in fact, all 

 nuts, should remain undisturbed on the trees until they drop, fully 

 ripened, and then left to dry and cure several weeks, or even 

 months before eating. The timber is of little value. 



The sweet chestnut is not indigenous to Missouri. Many trees 

 have been planted in experiment with varied success, wherever such 

 trials came under my observation. In most cases the tree grows 

 quite well and is hardy. It bears an abundance of burrs, contain- 

 ing the embryo nuts, which, however, fail to fill out. I suppose 

 this condition is caused by imperfect fertilization. I have not 

 had occasion to note whether this same defect exists also where the 

 trees grow in groves or clusters. I will be pleased to hear of the 

 experience of others on the chestnut in Missouri. 1 speak here of 

 the American sweet chestnut. 



My father many years ago secured some Spanish, or Italian, 

 chestnuts, fresh, some of which, after planting, grew well the first 

 year or two, and then winter killed to the collar. After sprouting 

 up again, this freezing was repeated until final decay. 



I have been informed the beach nut occurs largely in Southeast 

 Missouri, where it is esteemed as edible, and forms excellent and 

 abundant mast. For further information I leave this variety to 

 some one who knows. 



Hazel nut, our filbert, let us call it : This nut grows on a low 

 shrub on stalks varying from three to six or more feet in height, 

 according to fertility of soil and other conditions surounding its 

 location, but why describe it further, for who in rural Missouri 

 does not know the hazel nut — or brush? I have seen the greatest 

 crop of nuts on patches located on gravelly knolls, where the canes 

 grew about three feet high and where the burrs hung so thick 

 that a boy might pick a bushel of them in ten minutes. But like 

 many other good things provided for our enjoyment by nature, 

 our people have in a thoughtless way and for want of care and 

 protection from stock, and so forth, allowed this valuable plant to 

 become almost extinct, at least so in the more densely settled sec- 

 tions. A few square rods of suitable ground set to a hazel patch 

 and protected from browsing cattle will, I am sure, afford an 

 abundant supply of toothsome nuts, and will finally lead to a more 



