lo Oct., 1910.] Tlie Chestnut. 663 



To use the resistant Japanese chestnut as a stock on which to graft 

 the old varieties of Europe appears to be tlie logical solution of the ques- 

 tion. Other stocks, such as various species of oak, have also been 

 suggested but, owing to insufficient affinity, they appear to be less satis- 

 factory.* Though the Japanese tree is smaller than the European (30 feet 

 against 50 feet) it is possible "that, when used as a stock, it may reduce 

 but little the size of the scion. Grafting on resistant stock is quite a recent 

 departure, and one which does not directly interest us in this country, 

 where the chestnut disease does not seem to have made its appearance. 

 Even in France, in districts free from it, plantations are still being made 

 with trees worked on European seedling stock, and therefore non-resistant; 

 so slow is the spread of the di-sease. 



There are numerous varieties of the Japanese species, one in particular, 

 viz., that introduced into France under the name of Tambu, is very 

 highly spoken of in that country, t In fact, so much so that the trial of 

 the best Japanese varieties seems to have much to recommend it in Aus- 

 tralia. In all but cases where a very large tree is required, the ungrafted 

 Japanese species is worthy of consideration, for the quality of its fruit 

 and the early age at which it commences to bear. 



Practical Hints. 



The purpose of these notes is to draw attention to the claims of this 

 valuable tree and its marked suitability for Victorian conditions rather 

 than to give detailed instructions, which can best be found elsewhere ; 

 nevertheless, a few practical points may be briefly considered, mainlv in 

 connection with propagation and plantation. 



In the first place, it must not be forgotten that the chestnut does not 

 come true from seed J ; many seedling trees, in fact, bear empty burrs. 

 Hence the need for grafting seedlings in order to perpetuate valuable and 

 prolific varieties. 



They grow readily from nuts planted in August or September, after 

 stratification in moist soil or sand since the commencement of winter. They 

 should be planted about 3 inches deep, either in the nursery or where the\ 

 are to remain. In the latter case, owing to the tap root not being interfered 

 with, a larger and stronger growing tree will result, a point worthy of 

 consideration for shelter purposes. 



According to some authorities, this tree does not readily admit of trans- 

 plantation ; nevertheless, it is very often raised in nurseries — 



Chestnuts can be grown in the nursery until several years old, providing they are 

 lifted at the end of the first year, the tap root cut off, and the trees reset, giving 

 them rather more room than during the first year's growth. — (Wickson). 



Grafting can either be performed in the nursery or after planting out. 

 In France, grafted trees five or six years old are worth is. 8d. to 2s. each 

 (Farcy). Various styles of grafting and budding may be employed, treat- 

 ment being much the same as for the fig. If budded, the bud should grow 



*Nevertheless, in some cases recently, the oak has been succesfully used as 

 a stock, especially when grafted below ground. Failures have often been recorded 

 with the older method of grafting considerably above ground. It is also hoped 

 that some other species of oak may prove superior to Quercus robiir, the one wnich, 

 SG far, has been chiefly tried. 



+ See Progres Agricole, 28th March, 1909. 



Jin Corsica a variety of the tree is largely grown which is said to come true from 

 seed. The fruit is, however, only of medium size. Corsican chestnuts being mainly 

 used for drying and milling into chestnut flour, the size of the fruit is not of great 

 consequence. 



