Q4 FRUIT FARMING 



frequently done. Cherries must not be planted, as the 

 winter digging which Nuts require does not suit them. 

 There are but few kinds. 



1 . The Lambert Filbert, or Kentish Cob, is the best ; 

 it grows more vigorously, the crop being nearly double 

 that from others. The Nut is very large, thick shelled, 

 and usually produced in bunches of 3 or 4 (though in 

 a bad season many single and double Nuts are found), 

 even up to 7 or 8 ; the husk is large and shows the 

 Nut. In Kent many are grown among or near hops, 

 and must then be picked green before the hop-pickers 

 arrive ; sometimes causing a glut in the market. 

 When gathered they are best heaped up on a floor 

 2 -ft. thick to harvest ; they are turned over from time 

 to time to prevent mould ; though they do not require 

 to be quite dry, otherwise the kernel shrinks ; generally 

 fetch highest prices about ten days before Christmas. 

 For home use Nuts are better kept in jars or tubs, a 

 little salt being sprinkled in, which keeps them damp, 

 when they come out full and eat crisp to the last. 



2. Kent Filbert Better flavoured, but not such a 

 good cropping Nut as the Cob, and cannot be recom- 

 mended for extensive culture. 



3. Cosford A round Nut, of very nice flavour. Very 

 free bearer, but from its thin shell it is liable to be 

 appropriated by the squirrels, mice, and rats. It is, 

 however, to be considered on one particular point, 

 viz., the profusion of male catkins it produces, thereby 

 fertilizing others to advantage. 



4. Prolific Frizzled Filbert A very free bearer, 

 producing handsome bunches of well-flavoured nuts, 

 often 15 in a cluster, long before others are ripe. 



5. Pearson's Prolific Cob Small but free bearing 

 variety, like No. 3, valuable for its catkins. 



For particulars of culture see Chapter IV. 



