The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1868-09-23
Chestnuts.

We have received letter making in
quiries in relation to the propagation of
chestnuts, and whether they will thrive
well in the West, and especially on prai-
RE soil. We are unable to give the ex-
perience of any western grower of chest
nuts, as we are not aware that any one
has attempted their culture this side of
Ohio. If any of our subscribers have
had experience in this matter, will they
please give us communication on this
subject.
ItIe certain that experiments should
be u.sde in the West in relation to the
adaptability of our soil and climate to
this most valuable tree. Its nuts always
command high price; the past season
they have readily brought 50 per bushel
in the New York market. They are
eaten either raw, boiled, or roasted, or
may be dried, ground into meal, and
used for making buildings, cakes and
bread. In some parts of Southern Eu-
rope, they constitute quite portion of
the food of the poor, especially when
there is a scarcity of grain.
In respect to the value of the wood of
this tree, it may be remarked that there
are other kinds of timber more durable
than chestnut, but there are few which
are more quickly or easily grown. In
connection with black walnut it produces
a very fine effect in furnishing dwellings.
Where great toughness is required, or a
very fine polish is desired, it is inferior
to many other kinds of wood, as it is
naturally brittle and somewhat coarse
grained; still, for many kinds of second
class furniture, it is exceedingly valua.
BILE, as it has an agreeable color, and the
grain is well brought out by a coat of oil
or varnish.
AS an ornamental tree it is held in
high repute in every part of the world
where it is grown. Its foliage is ample
and graceful, on which account the chest
nut has been chosen to adorn the land
scapes of many of our most noted paint
ers.
This tree is very hardy and long lived,
and several of the historic trees in the
world are of this variety. One grows
near the base of Mt. Etna, which is be-
lieved to be many centuries old. 1t is
100 feet in circumference, has a hollow
trunk of sufficient capacity to give shell
ter both to the neighboring shepherds and
their Aocks. A hundred horses and their
riders once found refuge from violent
storm under ire ample branches There
is chestnut still growing in England,
which is in good condition, notwithstand-
ing it was large enough to be of service
as a landmark in the stormy reign Of
King John. At Lancerre, in France,
there is chestnut tree believed to be a
thousand years old, which is yet very
productive. Near Paterson, N. j., there
is beautiful tree of this variety, which
was headed low, and has an almost glob'
ular shaped top. 1t is greatly admired
for its beauty, and has been represented
in some of our works on trees and tree
culture.
The tree is very easily propagated
from the nut, which may be planted
either in the spring or fall or it may be
cultivated from sprouts, which spring up
plentifully where the roots are injured OF
the trunk is severed, If we plant seeds
on land that is cultivated for other crops
at the same time, we should put them out
thickly at first, and then thin out as
they become large enough for that pur.
pose. 1t does not succeed equally vel
with every variety of climate, or in every
kind of soil; still it thrives we'll over a
wide range of country. 1t seems to pre-
fer a dry rocky soil, to one that is moist,
clayey or compact. Its growth is rapid
upon situations unsuited for cultivation.
and even where most forest trees do not
flourish. Doubtless Southern Illinois and
the billy region of Missouri would be
excellent localities for growing this val
liable tree:-Prairie Farmer.