NUTS WALNUTS, GATHERING AND STORING. 45 



sometimes produces fruit, though it only bears pistillate blooms, these being then 

 fertilised by the pollen from catkins growing on older trees. The essentials of a good 

 crop of walnuts will be made clear by the engravings (Fig. 12, page 43). 



Cultivation. Next to none is required, nor is manure needed till the trees are old 

 or exhausted. Two parts wood ashes from twigs, one part soot, mixed, distributed 

 evenly in spring, at the rate of J bushel per rod, and left for the rains to wash in, is a 

 good top-dressing for walnut trees. 



Gathering and Storing. Green walnuts for pickling are generally ready for gather- 

 ing in June, but the seasons make a difference of about a fortnight. The proper time 

 may be ascertained by piercing the fruit with a needle, and when the shell is so soft as 

 to allow the point to pass through easily, it is in the right condition. 



Walnuts are generally ripe at the end of September or early in October. The husks 

 should part readily from the nuts, and the shells are then not stained. The nuts may 

 be rubbed dry, by two persons shaking a convenient quantity to and fro in a sack, not 

 employing so much force as to break the shells. It is usual to beat the trees with poles 

 when the fruit becomes ripe, and clear them of the nuts at one operation, but it is better 

 to go over the trees two or three times, shaking the branches to dislodge the nuts as 

 they ripen. In this way they are uniformly matured. Avoid bruising or breaking the 

 buds more than can be helped in beating the trees. Spread the nuts in a dry airy place, 

 and turn them occasionally till the husks come off readily. The shelled nuts, when 

 dried with a cloth, or as before described, may be packed in alternate layers with sand 

 in jars or casks, and stored in a cool place. A little salt scattered over them as they are 

 put in, saves them from mould, and keeps the kernels plump, but flavour is best pre- 

 served in the ground or " vaults " (page 40). When the kernels shrivel the nuts should 

 be steeped about twenty-four hours in water, or in milk and water preferably, rubbing 

 them dry for table. 



Diseases and Enemies. Canker sometimes attacks the stems and limbs of walnut 

 trees in cold localities, and fungi infest the leaves and fruit. Some caterpillars occasion- 

 ally feed on the leaves, and the larvae of the Goat Moth and Wood Leopard Moth at 

 times attack the stems. Eooks carry the nuts off, whilst various birds pierce the thin- 

 shelled kinds and peck out the kernels. Squirrels, rats, and mice are also fond of 

 walnuts. A gun fired occasionally scares rooks, and the other depredators must be 

 destroyed by the means available. 



