PREFACE AND EXPLANATION 



The commercial growing of pecans in the United States is 

 comparatively a new industry. Dependable pecan literature 

 is notably scarce, except as it appears in bulletins of the United 

 States Department of Agriculture, southern experiment sta- 

 tions and other state institutions, in proceedings of nut-grow- 

 ers associations, and in nut journals. 



In preparing this book an effort has been made to include 

 the latest summary results of scientific investigations on pecan- 

 growing. A large part of the material has never been pub- 

 lished before. In addition, the important practical phases of 

 the work, including the latest methods and practices of pecan- 

 growing, have been emphasized. Consequently, it is hoped 

 that this volume will be useful not only to students, instruc- 

 tors, and investigators in pecan culture, but also to the grow- 

 ers, amateurs, and others interested in the subject. 



The amount of detail in some of the chapters will lack inter- 

 est to the experienced pecan-grower; but the authors' con- 

 ception of the book, based on a rather wide experience gained 

 from field observations, personal contact, and correspondence, 

 leads them to think that this is necessary to make the book 

 serve its greatest purpose. 



It is difficult to acknowledge full credit for all the assistance 

 received. Due acknowledgement is made of illustrations 

 loaned by the United States Department of Agriculture, and 

 by a number of the state institutions. The journals and other 



