94 LUTHER BURBANK 



The species known as Corylus rostrata grows 

 wild rather abundantly in certain sections, but 

 it is a shy bearer. 



There is no obvious reason why the European 

 filbert should not be cultivated in this country 

 if a study is made of its needs as to soil and cli- 

 mate. Also, there is no apparent reason why it 

 should not be crossed with the American hazel- 

 nut. The result of such crossing, if we may draw 

 inferences from analogy, would be the produc- 

 tion of a race of hazel-filberts of greatly increased 

 size, and of improved quality. 



There is a so-called filbert, or Cliilean hazelnut, 

 that grows in South America. This plant bears 

 a nut similar to the filbert, but very much larger 

 in size and of far better quality. It is difficult, 

 however, to get a start in the cultivation of this 

 plant, as its seeds when brought to this country 

 ordinarily do not germinate. I have at last suc- 

 ceeded, however, in producing several young 

 trees. This is a beautiful evergreen tree, and 

 should prove of great value. In its own country 

 the young trees are highly prized, selling for a 

 large sum when only a few inches high. 



The European filbert grows readily from the 

 seed, but does not by any means come true. In- 

 deed, it proves exceedingly variable. But this, 

 of course, from the standpoint of the plant de- 



