CHESTNUT CULTURE IN THE NORTHEASTERN UNITED STATES. 99 



other trees and shrubs had been introduced successfully, it was inferred that the 

 chestnut could be added to the list. The first recorded importations were by Mr. 

 L. B. Parsons, of Flushing, N. Y., in 1876. These trees received very little care, but, 

 nevertheless, grew and soon came into bearing. In 1882 the late William Parry, of 

 Parry, .N. J., began their importation on a large scale, and has done much toward 

 improving and disseminating the best varieties. Probably no one has done more to 

 arouse interest in chestnut culture and put it on a commercial basis than Mr. Parry. 

 For years he was engaged in importing chestnuts, propagating new varieties and 

 improving the old, and several valuable varieties have originated in his nurseries. 

 Mr. J. T. Lovett, of Little Silver, N. J., also imported trees and nuts extensively in 

 the earlier '8os, and has produced several new varieties. He now prefers European 

 varieties, however, and has at Emilie, Pa., a fine Paragon orchard of about 1,200 

 trees from four to thirteen years old. 



The number of Japanese varieties offered by nurserymen is very large, but are 

 much confused as to nomenclature, because of the distribution of seedlings under 

 various good selling names, such as Mammoth, Giant, etc. Those recommended as 

 of tested value are the following : 



ALPHA. 



First in importance as well as name. Originated by William Parry, of Parry, 

 N. J. Claimed to be the earliest known variety of chestnut, and especially valuable 

 on this account. Ripens at Parry, N. J., about September 10. Tree an upright, 

 vigorous grower, and very productive. The original tree began to bear when 

 three years old, and has never failed since to produce a full crop. Burs rather small, 

 somewhat flattened ; spines thick, short and stiff ; nuts large, averaging two or three 

 to the bur. Quality only fair, but it commands a high price in the market because 

 of its early appearance. 



RELIANCE 



Another one of Parry's seedlings. Tree a semi-dwarf, low spreading and droop- 

 ing. Comes Into bearing remarkably early. Scions not infrequently mature fruit 

 the first year they are set. This should not be allowed, however, as the early 

 bearing injures the future vitality of the tree and reduces the size of the nuts. 

 Burs medium, with three to five large nuts to the bur. Ripens from September, 

 20 to October i, in New Jersey. 



HALE. 



Originated from seed imported in 1886 by Luther Burbank. Now grown by 

 J. H. Hale. Tree low, of spreading habit, with narrow pointed leaves of a very 



