HORTICULTURE 311 



Because the pecan grows as a forest tree in some parts of the 

 country, many people suppose that it can be left without care and 

 cultivation, left as any other tree in the fields and woods is left to 

 shift for itself. But if fruit is required from the tree, no matter 

 whether planted in the garden or the orchard, it should be given 

 good care. Too many practices are based upon ideas taken from the 

 native trees of the woods and fields. 



One lesson can be learned from the woods. The ideal soil con- 

 dition for the pecan grove is that found in the forest. The soil there 

 is filled with vegetable matter, and humus ; it holds water and plant 

 food. The aim in the cultivation of the trees should be to provide 

 and maintain a soil as nearly ideal as that. 



This is best done by planting the land between the tree rows in 

 cotton, peanuts or other field crops, in vegetables, cowpeas, beggar- 

 weed or velvet beans. The last mentioned crops may be used in mak- 

 ing hay. These are the ideal crops for the pecan orchard. It would 

 be best to follow a systematic rotation of these crops. 



The area grown in these crops should by no means equal the 

 total area of the field. The tree rows for a width of four or five feet 

 on each side should not be planted in crops during the first year. 

 This strip should, however, be cultivated during the first part of the 

 season. The cultivated area will necessarily become more restricted 

 each year, and eventually the ground will have to be given up to 

 the trees. 



The greatest demand made on the soil by the tree is for nitrogen 

 and this can be met by applying stable manure, or by growing 

 leguminous crops and turning them under as already directed. In 

 the fertilizing of the pecan this is by all means the best policy. The 

 potash in the form of sulphate or muriate of potash and the phos- 

 phoric acid in the form of acid phosphate can be supplied separately. 



As a general rule the pecan requires comparatively little prun- 

 ing. At the time of planting the young trees should be cut back 

 some distance, particularly if they are very tall. It is well to have the 

 main branches form within four or five feet of the ground. After 

 this about all the pruning necessary is to remove dead or injured 

 branches and cut back those which have a tendency to run up beyond 

 their neighbors. For this work, as well as in procuring grafts or bud- 

 wood from the top of the tree, the tree pruner comes into good 

 service. 



Top-worked trees frequently require considerable pruning to 

 get them started so that they will develop into shapely, symmetrical 

 trees. 



Harvesting and Marketing. The pecan crop is not so difficult 

 to harvest and prepare for market as a crop of oranges or peaches, for 

 instance, and yet some care must be taken to put the nuts on the 

 market in inviting shape. 



The equipment necessary for harvesting consists of an extension 

 ladder, a step ladder, a number of bamboo fishing poles and picking 

 sacks. The best kind of step ladder is one having three legs instead 

 of four. Picking sacks may be made from ordinary hemp or jute 



