32 A TREATISE ON NUT CULTURE. 



PROPAGATION. 



IS CLAIMED by many that there is no more certainty in the reproduc- 

 tion of any variety of nut from seed than there is from an apple or 

 peach, though the variation in some species is so slight that, in the absence of 

 budded or grafted trees, orchards of selected seedlings are planted, with the 

 possibility of getting many desirable nuts, though not of the exact type- of the 

 parent. 



The difficulty with which some species are propagated by budding or 

 grafting renders them so expensive that it is almost impracticable to procure an 

 orchard of distinct varieties; therefore, notwithstanding the uncertainty of the 

 seedlings, probably the most economical plan with such as Walnuts, Shell- 

 barks and Pecans, would be to select the most desirable seed for planting, 

 which should possess superiority in size, flavor, thinness of shell, vigor and 

 productiveness of tree. 



Germination The seed may be planted in the Fall, as soon as pos- 

 sible after they are perfectly ripe. Contrary to a 



prevalent belief, it is not necessary for them to become frozen in the seed beds, 

 as many of our hard shelled nuts are natives of regions where freezing is un- 

 known and many of our Northern nuts drop with or before the foliage of the 

 trees which bear them, and in the still air of the forests or groves the snow lies 

 level, while the dead leaves, with the snow, constitute a perfectly frost-proof 

 covering, under which they will remain in good condition for years. They will 

 germinate more quickly, however, if not allowed to become dry. 



For most nuts select a high, well drained position and bury in heaps of 

 sand. First, excavate the ground, which should be loose and porous, to four 

 to six inches, then place a layer of nuts, then a layer of sand, then a layer of 

 nuts, and so on until the stock is all stored; sprinkle with water and cover with 

 six inches of sand and leave all undisturbed until Spring. 



Should 11 tie It ("a ^tr of mice or squirrels carrying away the nuts, place 



