811 



very large forest trees in Louisiana, it is here also that the 

 very large, thin shelled, and the most valuable market varie- 

 ties have originated. 



BOTANICAL RELATIONS. 



The pecan is a species of the hickory. Its botanical name 

 is Hicoria pecan (Britt); Carya olivacformis (Nutt). There 

 are ten or more species of hickories growing in the United 

 States. Of these, the pecan, from a horticultural standpoint, 

 is the most important, being the only one grown in orchards 

 for its fruit. The tiee is a rapid grower, and when it comes 

 into bearing, produces with reasonable regularity, annual 

 crops of nuts. 



SOILS BEST ADAPTED TO PECANS. 



As previously remarked, the pecan is at hone upon the 

 rich alluvium of the Mississippi Valley, Here its growth is 

 most vigorous. Seedlings from nuts planted after the freeze 

 of 1895, on the grounds of the Sugar Experiment Station, art 

 now (1902), ll l /2 inches in diameter, and 34 feet tall. Rick 

 alluvial soil is therefore best adapted to the growth of this 

 tree. While this nut will grow upon most any kind of soil, 

 it thrives best and grows Caster where an abundance of mois- 

 ture is available, and when suitable fertilizers are applied, 

 Those contemplating the planting of an orchard, should care- 

 fully consider the requirements of this tree before purchasing 

 his land. Upon thin, sandy soils, the growth will be slow^ 

 and heavy fertilization will be required. In fact, it may bt 

 announced as a fundamental principle in pecan culture, that 

 the growth and productiveness of the tree will be directlj 

 in proportion to the fertility and moisture supply of the 

 soil. 



Belonging to the family of hickories, it shares with them 

 its love for fertile bottom soils, and is rarely found native 

 'Upon poor uplands, 



Yet by cultivation, proper fertilization, and the use of 

 improved varieties, profitable orchards may be established 

 upon poor soils. In purchasing a site for an orchard, of 

 course the first cost of the land must be reckoned. But when. 

 -good -alia vial land* can be obtained at comparatively reasos- 



