CULTURE OP THE OLIVE IN AMERICA. 



soon get up a stock, as they grow very readily from layers, or by grafting on the 

 common Privet (^Ligtistrum vulgare). 



On the sea coasts of Carolina and Greoi'gia, the American Olive ( Olca Americana) 

 grows naturally. It is found only in light rich soils, and it is quite possible that if 

 it might not be improved so as to compete with the European, it may at least afford 

 some hints to those who wish to try that kind. 



Of the Jujube also, one species (^Ziziplms voluhilis) is a native of the Southern 

 States, found, I believe, as far north as Virginia. P. 



From the Charleston Mercury. , 



The communication of Mr. Chisolm, it is hoped, will attract general attention. He is 

 one of the most careful and successful of experimenters in the Low Country of our State, 

 and whatever he says may be relied on. The most interesting matter of his communica- 

 tion relates to the successful culture of the Olive, and in regard to this he affords us a 

 gratifying correction. Some twelve years since we received from one of the islands of 

 our coast, a branch of an olive tree, loaded with fruit, but wilted by a killing frost in the 

 early part of November. We have often seen the tree since, and seen abundant evidence 

 that it thrives well in our soil, but have never had a glimpse of the ripe fruit, or any report 

 from those who have cultivated it. The impression had grown upon us that our severe 

 autumn frosts were fatal to its perfect maturity. We are glad to be disabused of this im- 

 pression ; and venture to hope that the experience of Mr; Chisolm and others will lead to 

 the general introduction of the Olive tree into the Low country of the State. It is a tree, 

 which, like the Chinese Mulberry, rejoices in a light sandy soil. It would suit an exten- 

 sive region of South Carolina just above tide water. 



The fruit is extensively used in three ways. It is pickled, and thus forms the most 

 agreeable relish in the world. It is dried, and in this state is a nutricious, wholesome 

 and pleasant article of food. It is pressed, and the Sweet Oil of commerce is extracted. 

 For the latter use Mr. Chisolm thinks there is not much chance of cultivating it profitably 

 in this country. Undoubtedly he is right, if it be taken up merely as a garden or fanc}' 

 culture. But whenever large fields are planted with the Olive, and all the appropriate 

 means ai-e used to economize the reduction of the fruit to oil, we feel sure that it may be a 

 profitable culture for this purpose alone, where the climate is such as to insure the 

 maturity of the fruit. 



Mr. Chisolm's experience invites us to recall the attention of the public to the late im- 

 portation of Olive plants from Spain, which are still in great part undisposed of. The 

 most of these plants are in a healthy condition, and we hope the opportunity will not be 

 lost to disseminate them widely. 



Beaufort, June 11, 1855. 



Messrs. Editors : — I perceive by a late number of your paper, that you are under the 

 impression that the Olive will not ripen its fruit in our climate. I presume that you are 

 informed of the state of things in Charleston ; but I can assure you, from an experience 

 of ten or more years, that in this neighborhood it ripens its fruit fully, and I have never 

 known any to be at all affected by frost. I have some three hundred or more trees, most 

 of which are in bearing, and some have been for several years. The fruit begins to 

 ripen in September, and by the middle of November, little, if any, unripe fruit can be 

 found. My trees are of two kinds, and were procui-ed from the neighborhood of Flor- 

 ence, and thus far, bear fruit every year, and abundantly. Labor is too dear, and cotton 

 too profitable, for oil making to pay, and until some great change takes place in the 



VOL. o. II o. 



