130 A TREATISE ON NUT CULTURE. 



I know of no industry, or of any investment a man of small means can 

 make, that so surely brings annual returns of large income, on so small an 

 investment, as is obtained in this branch of aboriculture. 



Thirty dollars will plant ten acres, and when the trees bear but twenty 

 pounds each the earnings net more annually than $35,000 invested in Govern- 

 ment bonds. 



An investment of only $3.00 per acre in planting fifty acres will, when the 

 trees bear but fifty pounds per tree, give more net earnings than $200,000 

 invested in a bank with eight per cent, earnings. One thousand acres in the 

 best Pecans will, when the trees earn but $1.65 each, bring in an income exceed- 

 ing $100,000 annually, which is equal to $1,000,000 in banking business earning 

 ten per cent, annual gross. 



We mention these facts to show the great value of the industry, which is so 

 little known, and which every person with a few acres can indulge in. 



Nut and fruit growing are industries which can be carried on on a large 

 scale on business principles, and made to pay enormous incomes. 



We have near here a grove of four hundred acres, planted four years ago, 

 of the best thin -shell Pecans, containing upwards of ten thousand trees. In 

 four years more the owner expects to have an income of at least $50,000 annu- 

 ally, and increase. His expectation is not an unreasonable one. Even divide 

 that by two and it is a very comfortable income. This growing of Pecans on a 

 large scale is not fancy farming. It is just as legitimate as any branch of farm- 

 ing, with vastly less risk, cost and care than any other crop. In California 

 they diversify and grow great varieties on one tract of land, all under one man- 

 agement. 



At Acampo, California, is a ranch of one thousand and fifteen acres, on 

 which is now growing the following: Thirty-four thousand Almond trees, ten 

 thousand Peach trees, eight thousand Olive, seven thousand Prune, three thou- 

 sand Apricot, three thousand Fig, one thousand Pear, nine hundred Orange, 

 five hundred Cherry, five hundred Plum and sixteen thousand of table and 

 raisin Grapes. Although but young in bearing, the income from this ranch is 

 enormous. 



The Gulf States can grow with great profit many of the above named fruits 

 and nuts, and make more money than can be made in California they being so 

 much nearer market. 



A man in any of these States who will build him up industries of this kind 

 can well afford to let the other fellow grow five-cent cotton. 



It is a rare fact that any person well started in such occupations have to 

 give a mortgage on their crop to live on while it is growing. The sooner the 

 cotton States take up such industries the sooner will they become independent 

 and make money. No one need fear that this generation will ever see enough 



