The Washington herald. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1906-1939, 1909-08-29
THRIYES In FLORIDA
TallOw Tree Imported from
China a Novelty.
WILL BE CT USE IN FUTURE
Fruit Develops Vegetable OIL Which
Chinese Employ in Making Their
Gives Shade Seeds or SaPIings
May BE Had Free on Application.

Ostrich Farm. Jacksonville, Fla, Aug.
2S.-Last fall the United States Depart
ment Of Agriculture sent me large sup
ply Of seeds Of the taIlow tree tSapium or
Suu.nga se5iferum) which they had i'm
ported from China for propagation IN
this country.
was left TO use my own judgment
as 10 the best way OF investigating the
economic value Of the seed, which is at
the same time the fruit. and OF propa-
eating its cultivation Il is hardly neces-
sary TO point out that the United States
government has not imported these seeds
without knowing their economic value.
and the satisfactory results OF expert
ments in that line need not be described
IN detail 10 assure the public that the
development Of the new industry, closely
connected with the soap tree and per
fumery industry now progressing admir-
ably under the official work OF the de-
partment at its experimental station at
Orange City, Fla. Will be a profitable
source Of revenue for those who may
avail themselves Of an opportunity that
entails no expense outside Of a little care
at the start
Native of China.
The three is a native OF China: it Is
beautiful and ornamental; It begins TO
bear fruit when three years old Be
tween twelve and fifteen years old II
reaches a height Of twenty-four to thirty
feet. with a corresponding spread at the
top. It bears a large crop OF waxlike
berries about the size o. a large coffee
bean. The fruit is at the same time the
propagating seed.
The PUPPY part OF the fruit contains a
fatty substance used in China for can
dies which burn with a white brilliant
Same, odorless. The fatty substance has
all the characteristics OF tanow in its
chemical constituents and furnishes to
various industries elements Of value. The
raising of the tree is easy. and while.
when possible. a rich loamy upland soil
known as hammock Is preferable, stin
have raised the trees IN any soil
1 planted the seeds on open ground
The soil was thoroughly cleaned and pre-
pared just as good as for the sowing Of
the tiniest seed. To the top soil about
six inches thick I mixed a liberal supply
OF well-decayed stable manure. I then
made burrows one inch deep and planted
the seeds one by one I'VE inches apart.
covered the seed. pressing the soil gently.
mulched well with Spanish moss, watered
the mulching literally the first time, and
took care TO keep the ground moist until
the seeds terminated and the plants had
grown up to the surface. al which time
/ removed the mulching in proportion as
the tiny plants made their appearance.
The growth is rapid
VIII Give Trees Away.
To any one who will grow the tree.
provided he or she owns the land on
which It is 10 be grown. viii give free
one or more trees. according TO the area
OF the land, calculating 20 plant the
trees twenty feet apart and. besides. a
reasonable number Of seeds 10 be planted
IN nursery for future propagation in
land that may be subsequently acquired
or for distributing among friends or rela-
tlves who may happen TO have been IN
able to secure the tree or seeds during
the period OF my distribution
In ali cases the party or parties desir-
ing TO benefit by the distribution VIII
have 10 take the trees from the spot,
1880 Marshall street. near the ostrich
farm.
Applicants who may not wish or can
not apply personally may send a written
application by their employee or mes
senger. giving the name OF The ssenger
in the application and the applicant
name and address plainly written.
The trees should be planted as soon as
possible and protected from the hot sun
rays until the growth has been well
started +, MOULIE.