PECANS. 209 



It is a fact not generally known that the cutting of a 

 tap-root, of nut-bearing or other trees, is really beneficial 

 to the lateral growth of the tree; another little known 

 truth is that the tap-roots of all trees, nut or others, are 

 short-lived ; they die and decay as the lateral roots grow 

 large and strong. 



In setting out the young tree or in planting the seed in 

 the open ground, we would strongly recommend surround- 

 ing it with a circle of the woven wire netting, now so much 

 in use for fences, arched across the top; this would not 

 only mark the spot but protect it from injury by the plow, 

 in raising crops in the orchard, and also from horses or 

 cattle. 



Since the pecan needs no surface working we would ad- 

 vise that the orchard be converted into a permanent past- 

 ure, and the ground thus made to serve a double purpose, 

 as well as the trees, the latter furnishing a most grateful 

 shade for the cattle grazing there, while the wire netting, 

 raised higher as the trees grow, would prevent any injury 

 being done to the trees. 



If the seed are planted in the orchard, put two or three 

 in the hill, they will sprout in from four to ten weeks ; sur- 

 plus ones can be removed ; they should be partially shaded 

 during their first summer. 



December, January, and February are the best months 

 for planting pecans, either seeds or trees. 



As we have noted, the first season's growth should leave 

 the young tree ten or twelve inches high ; the second year 

 they will grow three or four feet ; and the third they will 

 be well branched, and from seven to ten feet high. 



And now, having seen how easy it is to raise a pecan 

 orchard there are a number of trees now fruiting heavily 

 in Florida let us see why we should do it as a source of 

 income easy and sure. 



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