V ( ILTLKK OF THE I'K.V-NUT. 



wliit'li fan ha procurtxl of any apotliccar)'. It instantly fonns an air-tight coating, both 

 flexible and ehistic, anil j)rotects it from (.Irying and loosing its vitality. 



There is no time of year after the new buds are sufficiently formed, and the stock in 

 a growing state, but what grafting by this process may be performed, in which case 

 have but one bud on the scion, and dip the whole wood, except the wedge, in the collo- 

 dion to protect it from the drying sun and heat of summer. It soinetimos happens that 

 one has a single choice exotic, difficult to procure, that it is important not to fail in 

 grafting, and this method almost infallibly ensures success. 



[Some time ago we published an account of an experiment in the use of collodion in 

 propagating Roses, aiid some other plants, from cuttings. We have not before heard 

 of its being employed in grafting. The experiment is well worthy of attention. — Ed.] 



CULTIVATION OF THE GROUND-NUT, OR PEA-NUT. 



BY C. 



Thinking that a few hints on the cultivation of the Ground-Nut would not be alto- 

 gether unacceptable to the readers of the Horticulturist, and might be of assistance to 

 those wishing to grow them, I am induced to write this article, — more, however, with 

 the desire that its cultivation may be better known than to give any particular plan for 

 raising it. 



The proper time for planting is about the 10th of May, or as soon as all danger of 

 frost is over. It would be better, in northern latitudes, to plant them in boxes or hot- 

 beds, so as to have the advantage of as long a season as possible, since on this the crop 

 greatly depends. The soil should be sandy, or light. A heavy soil should be avoided; 

 for though the Ground-Nut will grow in such, yet, where one has the choice of a sandy 

 soil, to that he should give the preference. They should be planted about two inches 

 deep, in rows, fifteen inches apart — even two feet would not be too far, as the branches 

 grow long. The ro\ys should not be less than three feet apart. 



After the vines have made some growth — say six or eight inches — the soil should 

 be hoed over them, leaving an inch or two of the ends exposed. This should be done 

 eveiy two or three weeks, according as the vines may grow, so that but two or three 

 inches of the ends of the vine may be uncovered. On this also the yield depends ; for 

 if it is not done, the nuts will not half ripen. 



Whether north of the latitude of Philadelphia the Ground-Nut could be cultivated 

 without the aid of a hot-bed, I am unable to say ; but I think that they could be suc- 

 cessfully grown south of it. 



As to the yield, I can not speak to any certainty, but I have seen over thirty to one 

 root. They can be purchased at most of the confectionary stores at six to eight cents 

 per quart. 



