MARCH. 



139 



improved through the medhim of the seeds or nuts, we al- 

 ready have good evidence in the growth of the " Perkiomen" 

 shellbark, a native of Pennsylvania, a specimen of which we 

 have now before us, presented by Dr. Brinckle of Philadel- 

 phia, who has noticed it in his reports to the Pennsylvania 

 Horticultural Society, as will be seen by a reference to a pre-- 

 vious volume of the Magazine (XIX, p. 520. j It is a fine 

 example of the hickory fruit, to us the best of all our indige- 

 nous nuts. That some idea may be formed of its magnitude, 

 we annex the following engraving (fig. 5) : — 



It is imdoubtedly the largest 



yet produced, measuring an inch 

 and three quarters long, one and 

 five eighths wide and one thick, or 

 four inches round one way and 

 four and a half the other, thus 

 exceeding Mr. Hale's specimens 

 owe inch, and Mr. Emerson's max- 

 imum size, one and a half! With 

 the hull on. Dr. Brinckle states 

 that it measures " two and a half 

 5. THE PERKIOMEN SHELLBARK. iuchcs loug, two ^ud thrco cighths 

 wide and one and seven eighths thick. Form reversed ob- 

 long, cordate ; shell thin ; kernel of the best quality." Our 

 own specimen we value too highly to taste. 



With such evidence of improvement, accidentally, for the 

 "Perkiomen" is a wildling found growing near Norristown, 

 Pa., Mdiy may we not expect equally good or better results 

 by a continued course of sowing, each time selecting the best 

 specimens ? It is true, one life time might not accomplish the 

 desirable object, but if once set about in earnest, the result 

 would be obtained sooner or later ; Mr. Hale suggests that 

 our Horticultural Societies might give their aid in the way 

 of premiums for the best peck or half bushel of nuts, to be 

 distributed among those who are willing to plant them and 

 take care of the trees ; and with the specimens of the pro- 

 duce to send an account of the soil and locality. We endorse 

 his suggestion, and recommend the subject to the Massachu- 



