254 



THE GARDENER'S ASSISTANT. 



Hazel- Nut or Filbert.— These are the 



seeds of Corylus Avellana (fig. 1041), a shrub or 

 small tree with a comparatively thick trunk, a 

 spreading head, and orbicular cordate leaves. It 

 is a native of the British Islands and other parts 

 of Europe, and is not uncommon in our copses 



and hedgerows. The size and quality of the 

 nuts have been improved by cultivation and 

 selection, and we have now numerous named 

 varieties. They are extensively cultivated in 

 the south of Europe, especially in Spain, whence 

 come the large variety known as the Barcelona 



Fig. 1041.— Hazel (Coryhu Avellana) with flowers and fruits. (Reduced.) 



nut. They are also much grown in some parts 

 of Kent. 



The term Cob-nut is applied to those with 

 short-tailed husks, those with tails longer than 

 the nuts being known as Filberts. 



Soil and Situation. — The Hazel-nut will grow 

 in almost any soil; but that in which it is most 

 fruitful is a loam upon a dry sandy rock. It 

 succeeds very well in sandy loam, or in a mix- 

 ture of loam and brick rubbish. In strong, 

 moist, loamy soils, the trees are apt to grow too 



much to wood. In the warm parts of the Con- 

 tinent they are planted towards a northern 

 exposure, but in this country a southern slope 

 is the best. 



Culture. — The distance between the trees may 

 be 10 feet each way, and then they must be kept 

 within limits by pruning, so that they may not 

 shade each other. If the soil is not naturally 

 rich, if it is thin, sandy, or rocky, manure of 

 some sort should be given every year, especially 

 if the trees bear heavy crops. Old woollen rags 



