421) 



Trees also do well upon chalky or limestone formations. When growing 

 under favourable conditions the Walnut will attain a great age and size. 

 In preparing the land let it be worked deeply, if of a heavy nature more 

 especially. In lighter and more open soils deep stirring is not so 

 essential. Drainage must also lie provided for if necessary, as the 

 Walnut is somewhat impatient of an excess of water at its roots. Thu- 

 trees will require to stand at least forty feet apart to permit their free 

 development. As, however, it will be some years before they require 

 such an amount of space, temporary trees may be planted between, to be 

 removed when necessary. In choosing trees be careful to get those with 

 straight clean stems and a ffiir proportion of roots. Planting may be 

 done at any time between the tall of the leaves and the commencement of 

 a fresh growth, but it should, if possible, be done before the end of 

 August. Young trees, as a matter of course, must receive careful 

 attention in pruning so as to insure well-formed heads as soon as possible. 

 But little pruning is required after the trees have been got into shape, all 

 that is necessary being to thin out the branches when too much crowded, 

 remove rank or misplaced shoots, and shorten back growth when required 

 to keep the trees compact and symmetrical. The fruit is borne upon the 

 wood of the previous season. Sometimes, in the case of over-luxuriant 

 trees, root pruning or partial ringing may prove useful in inducing 

 fmitfulness. Walnuts are not liable to many of the diseases that are so- 

 troublesome to other fruits, and they are seldom attacked by insects. 



PBOPAGATION. 



Propagation is effected by seeds, layering, budding, and grafting. 

 Seed should be sown in the autumn and covered to the depth of about 

 t\vo inches. The following winter transplant the young trees into 'rows- 

 thirty inches apart, leaving half that space between in the lines. In the 

 neNt season the plants may be planted out permanently. As the plants 

 sutt'er materially when their roots are broken, the better plan is to sow 

 the seed singly in pots. When this plan is adopted there is less risk in 

 shifting the young plants. Seedlings often vary considerably from their 

 parents, and cannot be depended upon for sorts. Plants are readily 

 obtained from layers, but they do not make such large and durable trees 

 as can be obtained by other means, though they come to maturity sooner. 

 Budding is the method most generally adopted for perpetuating varieties 

 arid hastening maturity. Grafting is sometimes practised with the same 

 objects, but not to such an extent as budding, which is certainly the 

 better of the two methods As in the case of other deciduous trees, 

 grafting must be done before active growth commences in the spring, and 

 budding after mid-summer, when the bark can be raised from the wood 

 without difficulty. The best and most reliable trees are seedlings that 

 have been budded with approved varieties. 



SPECIES AND VARIETIES. 



The following list embraces several of the best-known and distinct 

 species, and these will serve every practical object to be gained by 



