Rensselaer Union, Volume 9, Number 8, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 9 November 1876 — Raising Nut Trees. [ARTICLE]

Raising Nut Trees.

Every true lover of nuts likes to raise trees and test the different varieties. The very best kinds should be selected for cultivation, says a writer in the American Socialist; and if the seeds are saved from the most perfect of them, the chances for producing good fruit will be more certain. The best method of keeping nuts for seed is to let them get quite ripe before gathering; then partly dry them and mix in dry sand, put them «in thick, mouse-proof boxes, and bury in sand on a dry bank. In spring, select a rich, loamy soil, plow deep, pulverize well, and drill in the nuts, far enough apart to allow the trees some space to grow and room to cultivate between the rows. As soon as the young plants appear, the soil should be loosened around them frequently, which will effectually prevent weeds from growing, as well as hasten the growth of the plants. After the second year’s growth it might be well to clip off the ends of the vigorous side branches, thus sending the life into main stem. As the stalk grows stouter, the branches may be cut close. However, it is better to leave them oh a little too long than to have slender, top-heavy trees. Do not transplant until they are large enough to be staked, or until they are three or four years old. The ground, if intended for an orchard, should be subsoiled, and the holes for the young trees dug deep, and fertilized with a little old manure, unless the soil is very rich. The trees may be carefully dug, saving all the roots, and leaving them as long as possible and free from bruises. If a part efi the soil can be removed with them, all the better. The roots that chance to get cut by the spade should be cut clean from the trader side, in order that the rootlets may start in the best direction. They must be covered ’with earth or cloths until they are set out. \ In setting, some advise to lean the tree a little to the west, or in the direction of the prevailing winds. The young trees may be set as the same depth as when taken up. The roots should be carefully 'sptbad, and fine soil packed tightly arqund them with the hand, and then filled in with dirt and trodden down firmly. A good stout stake, with a string and cloth fastened tightly around it finishes the job, and the storms may come. Stir the ground often till dry weather, then spread a thin layer of manure, or a thick coating of chip dirt, old straw or other ‘Titter. Thesh are of great benefit the first year, saving the labor of stirring the soil, f . After the first year’s growth, in order to make handsome and fruitful trees, it is necessary to use the knife freely. “ I prefer training the main shoot as leader, encouraging the branches that start out at nearly right angles, and checking or cutting away those too much inclined upward, as they are apt to split off wnen laden with fruit or snow. I would cut away all branches not radiating from the center of the tree, as well as all cross branches, leaving them far enough apart tq let in'light ana sunshine, and keeping the tree Symmetrical in every direction. Thjs can be done by clipping back those branches which have a tendency to get ahead of the rest; and an abundant crop of nuts may be expected.