OAK TRUFFLES. 1-S 



that truffle-plots can be formed at will in the centre of France by the 

 seeds of oaks. 



In the poor soils where they are produced, the oaks come up slowly, 

 and the full harvest of truffles is late, owing to the development of roots 

 augmenting probably the production in throwing out successively the oaks 

 which do not furnish truffles, and in thus giving more space for the 

 development of those which do. It is asserted that truffles are also 

 produced about the vine ; but those pointed out to me as having this 

 property were surrounded by a belt of evergreen oaks. 



It would appear, however, that the association of the vine is favourable 

 to this production, because the truffle-plots near the vines are very 

 productive ; and it would seem to act in such a manner upon the roots of 

 the oaks, as to render them more fit to receive their parasite. 



The observation of this fact has, without doubt, decided M. Rousseau to 

 plant a row of vines between the oaks. 



Experience will decide the propriety of this operation, which will have 

 the advantage of utilising his soil by a harvest of grapes. We see, how- 

 ever, to what results this agricultural speculation is limited. At the end of 

 eight years were obtained 15 kilogrammes of truffles from two hectares of 

 land, or ~!\ kilogrammes per hectare, which, at the price even of 6 francs the 

 kilogramme, gives a product of but 45 francs. We must deduct for labour, 

 10 francs, the days of the truffle harvest, and the rent of the soil, which 

 would raise it to 25 francs per hectare (2 hec. 5 of rye for the master's 

 share) ; and lastly, the interest of the charges of the plantation and of the 

 maintenance before the production. 



If the future does not render him larger profits, and the quantity of 

 truffles does not considerably increase, M. Rousseau will have made some 

 curious experiments, but not attended with any remunerative return. He 

 can only look forward in the distance to any fall of wood. 



We owe, nevertheless, our thanks to the author of this enterprise, 

 which should be persevered in, and an exact account kept of future products. 

 It will be desirable that those who have made similar experiments in other 

 localities — and it is said that there are numbers in Perigord willing — 

 should furnish an account of the results which have been obtained. 



I may state, in conclusion, that M. Rousseau has shown us a meadow 

 manured with parings of truffles, which has given prodigious results. 



C 2 



