ay ‘ Pen a eal ILLUSTRATED Cc ATALOGUE W PRICE-LIST Grafted, Budded and Choice Seedling Paper - Shell Pecans and Other Nut-Bearing Teees oo 2 WITH A TREATISE ON 222 Pecan Culture e G. M. BACON, DeWitt, Mitchell Co., Georgia. BY) “FIMO ‘S907] URdIg JO aAOIs p[o-1waA-t19073 THE PECAN: Its Popularity.— Considerable attention has been given, during the last few years, to the planting and cultivation of the Pecan tree. When its merits are more generally known, and appreciated, more trees will be planted, and at no distant date Pecan groves will be more popular and more profitable than were once the orange groves of Florida. The Pecan’s Advantage.— The world is the market for Pecans—none growing on the eastern continent. Pecans can be shipped like corn’ or wheat, and not being perishable like fruits, do not have to be forced on the markets. They can therefore be held for a considerable length of time, the market watched, and the nuts placed on sale when the best price can be commanded. Regarding the Tree— The Pecan and Hickory are of the same family, and in the same soil and under the same climatic conditions, where one thrives, so will the other. They are found in their wild state, scattered from the Gulf to the Lakes and from the Atlantic to the Pacific. Like the Hickory, the Pecan grows to an enormous size, lives to an indefinite age and is one of the handsomest of shade trees, having a large spread, with very dense foliage Of avdark, rich -oreen. Kind of Soil.-— We have groves planted on almost all grades of land and kinds of soil to be found in this section of the State. We find the Pecan does slightly better on some, but thrives and bears well practically on all. However, soils continuously boggy or springy should be avoided, unless capable of drain- age. Occasional overflows do not hurt the trees. A few of our best trees are subject to the overflow of the Flint River, and although they have stood several feet in water for fifteen days at a time they are as vigorous and as heavy annual bearers as any of the others. One of our young groves, very near the river, has upon several occasions been entirely submerged during portions of winter and spring, but we fail to see where it has hurt it in the least. The Pecan Adapts Itself to Circumstances.— The Pecan is in reality a very hardy tree, and adapts itself to varying conditions. Where trees are planted on land with a very wet subsoil or quicksand, the tap-root ceases to grow after reaching a stratum where there is a sufficient supply of water. Thestap- root will form a large knob. and lateral roots will run in all directions. Regarding the Nut.—There is a great difference in the quality and market value of the nuts from different sections and from different trees. Some are small, thick-shelled and of poor quality. In planting groves, trees grown from these nuts should be carefully avoided. The best varieties produce nuts with thin shells, well filled, of good keeping qualities, and delicious flavor, and only 3 Clusters of half-grown nuts. (August.) Variety: ‘ Bacon’s Cluster of eight immature ‘‘ Atlanta” nuts, cut from stick Choice.”” Grown at DeWitt, Ga. ; of budding woodin July. Showing sacrifice of valuable nuts by nurseryman where buds are taken for propagating pur- poses from bearing trees. nuts combining these qualities are being propagated by us, either as seedlings or by grafting and budding. In the Market.— Bulletin No. 54, of the Florida Experiment Station, says: “When we consider the fact that more than two and a half million dollars worth of nuts were imported last year, it can readily be seen that there is still a large demand. * * * * and, moreover, this demand is steadily increasing!” It must be remembered that the imported nuts are in no way equal to the delicious thin- shelled Pecans of standard varieties grown in the South, and if these nuts can find such sales, what can we not expect from the Pecan? Prof. H. Harold Hume, the writer of the article from which the above is an extract, in a personal letter says: “I recently had a letter from a gentleman whom I know in New York, saying that he had just disposed of two carloads of Pecan nuts, mostly from Louisiana and Texas, of small size, at nine cents per pound wholesale. * * * + The more time I have given to the study of the matter, the more 4 I am convinced that Pecan culture is to become a paying business. Now, if these Texas and Louisiana Pecans will sell for nine cents per pound, I can not see why nuts from Florida and Georgia should not bring a much better price.” Professor Hume has thoroughly investigated the Pecan in all its phases, and as a commercial crop recommends it above all other nuts and fruits. Residence of Mr. G. M. Bacon, DeWitt, Ga. Profits of Pecan Groves.— Much has been written to the’ newspapers about the profits of a Pecan grove. For years we have been reading letters to the newspapers and articles upon the subject. Letters have been published from persons with “something to sell,” also from persons actuated by the higher motive of doing something for their fellow men, but we have not seen any statement bearing upon the profits of a Pecan grove (under good management) which is entirely unreasonable. In fact, in the light of latter-day knowledge and experience, the profits of the future must be much greater than in the past, resulting from the selection and testing of many nuts and improved trees; also from the better knowledge of the food and soil requirements of the Pecan tree, together with the increasing demand for nuts and from the most forceful fact that fine Pecans (be they extra large or of medium size) have never yet been produced in sufficient quantities to put on the market for edible purposes, Z ) the facts being that they are readily sold at high figures for planting purposes. There are tens of thousands of people all over the country who have never even seen any of the choice nuts now being grown, let alone eaten any, for they are rarely sold at a price at which one can afford to eat them. These fine nuts are as easily grown as the small ones. Persons starting into. Pecan culture now can do so with a certainty of success if they will buy only good trees from experienced and reliable men. When we started planting Pecan trees we bought anything we could get (as others are doing now), and we have in our groves trees producing nuts of all shapes and sizes—some with shells so thin that they crack when falling to the ground, others with shells requiring a hammer to break them; but fortunately we also have trees, heavy annual bearers, producing nuts unexcelled in all good qualities, and it is only from these trees that we are propagating, either by budding and grafting or by raising the seedling trees. The experience we now have would have been of inestimable worth to us six- teen years ago, while the planter of to-day need not take any chances. Age of Bearing.— We have a few seedling trees which bore nuts at five years (notably the Georgia Giant). This is exceptional and can not be relied upon. A larger number of trees, however, came into bearing at six years, and many at seven. We have no trees that have not borne in nine years, many bearing profitable crops from six years upwards. The subject of age of bearing is discussed under budding and grafting. The most impossible stories are told by irresponsible and dishonest dealers upon this subject, many trees having been guaranteed to bear in two years, but it will be observed that such men prefer to be paid for such trees when they are sold. Injurious Insects.— Persons who say that the Pecan is entirely free from insect enemies are in error—sometimes intentionally, sometimes from inexperience or ignorance. The Pecan tree, of all the valuable food-producing trees, is attacked by fewer insects or fungous diseases than almost any other tree. Owing to its hardy and vigorous nature, injuries made by insects seldom effect a per- manent disablement to the tree or cause its death, provided that one-fourth the care necessary to maintain peach trees and many others be given it. The old adage about there being no roses without thorns applies to all nature’s gifts and mundane affairs, but in the case of the Pecan, profitable crops of fruit can be made with more certainty, with less expense, with less trouble from insects, and with less worry than any other valuable food-producing tree. O -ka. “Vsa. AS TO PLANTING AND CULTIVATION. Inquiries and Answers.— We receive a great many inquiries regarding the setting out, care and cultivation of Pecan groves. As we give our personal attention to all the details of selection, propagation, packing, shipping, etc., we 6 hind it impossible to answer such inquiries in detail, and offer the following in lieu thereof. Please study carefully, and if there is anything you wish to know not contained herein, write us about it and we will take pleasure in advising you. Plant Nuts, or Transplant?—We have planted nuts where we wanted trees to grow, but have abandoned that method, as we have found that transplanting from a nursery is far preferable. When others have contended with the same difficulties we have, in the shape of field mice, squirrels, moles, salamanders, pigs, grubs, wood lice, and “what not,’ and find themselves (after yearly replanting for five or six years) with a grove (?) of trees running from ten inches to ten feet high, they will come to the same conclusion. It will pay to buy the young trees from a reliable nurseryman rather than to try, without any experience, to raise your own trees for transplanting. By the time you figure in the loss of a year or more in getting a grove started, and the cost of the, seed, tertilizer, cultivation and percentage of losses in non-germination and dying out, together with the trouble and expense of digging up trees properly, it would have been better to have bought the trees all ready for transplanting. When to Plant.—In the Southern States, Pecan trees may be set out any time after the leaves drop in the fall (usually about the first week in November), until generally the end of March. It is essential, however, that trees be dor- mant. We favor the plan of setting out trees in the late fall and early winter, where possible. This allows earth to fully settle, and wounds (if any) on roots to heal, and new, small rootlets to form before growing season begins. A soil temperature several degrees above that of the atmosphere stimulates root-growth. In fall we have natural conditions which are essentially those most suitable to the formation of roots. If set out early in the winter, a larger percentage of trees will live and they will make a better growth the first year. We have set out Pecan trees in April, when buds were swelling, and with good success, but it is prudent to give trees a copious watering if set out this late. In the North, Northwest, and Middle States, above, approximately, the torty-first degree of latitude, or south of an arbitrary line running across the United States, touching the cities of New York, Pittsburg, Pa., Marion, O., Logansport, Ind., Peoria, Ill., Council Bluffs, Iowa, North Platte, Neb., Chey- enne, Wyoming, Salt Lake City, Utah, the ground will frequently be frozen or snow-bound by the time Southern-grown trees are perfectly dormant. Under these circumstances spring planting must be resorted to, possibly with advantage, as were it possible to set out trees in the fall the subsequent freezing of the soil and drying winds would be likely to injure the newly-set trees. Orders for trees where these conditions prevail should be made early to ensure getting them; and if shipped at time of order trees must be stored in cool storage (cellars, etc.) until springtime, or not shipped until ground is in suitable con- fi dition for planting. Dormant trees may be kept many months. We have every facility for storing trees until late in the spring, ensuring their dormancy for several weeks after trees in nurseries have started to grow. “Some say to plant trees in the spring, And some say in the fall; But the worst are those who compromise, And plant no trees at all.” Distance Apart.— As to the distance between the trees, our plan is to plant 30x30 feet apart, or forty-eight trees to the acre. While this will eventually be too close, nuts can be gathered from these trees for some years before it will become necessary to cut out every alternate tree. Some even advocate planting 20x20 feet, which gives one hundred and eight trees to the acre, and nuts from all for several years, when they can then be thinned. In planting permanent groves, where land is no object, we prefer to set them from 40x40 to 50x50 feet and even further apart, for at 50x50 feet in thirty years they will meet, under favorable conditions. Care of Trees Upon Arrival.— Upon arrival of shipment of trees, bundles should be opened, a trench dug in a cool place, and roots of trees laid therein, with tops out, covering up roots with cool, damp earth and lightly watered. Trees may be kept in good condition several months in this way. At no time must roots be allowed to dry out, although an excess of moisture is not neces- sary, and roots should be wrapped up in wet sacking or other material when taking to field for planting. Many trees are lost and nurserymen blamed for failure to take this precaution. How to Set Out the Trees.—In setting out Pecans about a lawn or yard for both nuts and shade, care should be taken to dig large holes and to remove the clay entirely. Fill in with rich earth and well-rotted manure, the latter put im so as not to come in direct contact with the roots of the tree. In the center of this fillmg push or drive in a stake and withdraw same, leaving a hole of sufficient size and depth to take in the young tree without crowding the roots. lf trees are older than one vear, larger holes must be made in order that lateral roots may be set in a natural position. Press the dirt carefully with the hands, but do not tramp with the feet. The young tree should be set at such a depth that, after a copious watering and the permanent settlement of the earth and tree, it will be the same depth as it stood in nursery row, no part of the crown or root being left exposed to light. The. same method is applicable to setting cut groves, except it is not necessary to dig such large holes. Instead, the land should be plowed and subsoiled as deeply as practicable, either previous to planting or as soon thereafter as possible. If tap-roots are inconveniently long, they may be cut off by, a sloping cut with a sharp knife, leaving eighteen to twenty- four inches. The foolish theory about a Pecan tree not bearing if its tap-root 8 Young bearing Peean grove, planted in corn, DeWitt, Ga. g. DeWitt, Ga. Right-year-old seedling Pecan grove, planted in ectton, ‘Majority of trees bearin is cut has been so abundantly disproved by ourselves and cthers that it is not worth discussion. Wood-lice sometimes attack and eat off the roots of a small proportion of newly-set trees. Ordinary care, therefore, should be taken to see that no pieces of wood or other debris upon which the lice, their eggs or iarvae might gain admittance to bottom of hole be contained in the soil. All stakes set in the ground near trees should be tarred or charred to prevent wood- lice attacking them and. subsequently finding their way to root of tree. Our experience is that trees are only in danger of wood-lice the first year they are transplanted. Fertilizers.— Well-rotted barnyard manure contains practically all the piant- food needed by a Pecan tree. As it is difficult to get this in very large quan- tities, as a substitute we advise the use of some high-grade fruit-tree fertilizer. As a tree reaches the bearing age, highly ammoniated or nitrogenous fertilizers should not be used, but the percentage of potash and phoshoric acid should be increased. Nitrogenous fertilizers cause a rapid growth, and while the tree is young it is best to encourage as much healthy growth as possible, so that when it gets to be about five years old it will have a good-sized top and greater bearing surface. Fertilizers should not be applied in direct contact with roots of trees when set out, and when applied in subsequent years should be broadcasted over a wide area around the tree, proportionate to its size. -[he application of fertilizers too near the tree causes a congestion of roots and is likely to burn them—it should be spread out as far as possible. Culture—In Pecan groves, low-growing crops may advantageously be planted, such as field-peas, melons, potatoes, peanuts, cotton, etc., until the trees are five or six years old, when they should begin to bear. The land should then be given up to the trees, if desirable, but it should be plowed and harrowed early in the spring and again in the fall. If sown in peas the hay cut from same more than pays expenses and is beneficial to the soil. Young trees should be kept free from grass and weeds, and occasional hoeings during the growing season are highly beneficial. Trees of all sizes may also be mulched with leaves, straw, etc., to good advantage, conserving soil moisture, reducing expense in hoeing and affording a slowly-decaying supply of plant-food. Bear This in Mind.—In planting a Pecan grove it is not advisable to have only one variety. Trees of early, medium and late blooming should be planted, and these not in too large blocks of one variety. Where only two or three varieties are planted, it is better to alternate several rows of each variety. The staminate (male) bloom which furnishes the pollen comes on the wood of the previous season’s growth, and the pistillate (female) bloom, from which the nut is formed, is produced on the new growth when it has grown six to ten inches. It will occasionally happen (and with some trees habitually) that the male blooms (catkins) mature and release their pollen before the female bloom is sufficiently developed to be influenced by it, or heavy rains will wash the pollen 10 from the catkins at a time when pistillate bloom is in the right condition for pollenization. Without pollenization the female bloom withers and dies, as a result of which there will naturaliy be no nuts. It therefore follows that if several varicties are planted, which bloom early, medium and late, that a con- tinuous supply of pollen in the grove is available. This pollen is a dryish yellow, almost impalpable dust and is capable of being carried by air currents a great distance. The pollen from one Pecan or allied tree is fully as efficacious in fertilizing the female blooms of another tree as it is its own, hence the fre- quent hybridization and cross pollenization of one variety with another, with the resulting lack of certainty of a seedling tree reproducing identically the nut from which it is grown. The product may be better or inferior, for there is no telling what took place at the time of pollenization of the original nut. The nuts from a seedling tree bearing a smal! nut, if that tree was surrounded by trees bearing larger nuts, would assuredly be an improvement, but vice versa. Opinion upon the subject of the percentage of nuts coming true to seed is very variable, but it is a fact that seedling apples, pears, peaches, etc., have long since been discarded. Management.— It has repeatedly come to our knowledge that many parties at a distance are deterred from planting Pecan groves on account of inability to spare the time to investigate the subject and the uncertainty where to go to buy suitable land or to whom to entrust the matter. We would be pleased to act as agents for such parties for reasonable compensation, thereby giving them the benefit of many years’ practical experience in the selection of land, trees, their planting, and subsequent cultivation of same. Correspondence upon this subject is invited. GENERAL. Budded and Grafted Trees.— Owing to the increasing demand for budded and grafted trees, we have had several of our own best varieties, and others of pronounced excellence, propagated. Results Are the Same.— We have so many inquiries as to the difference between a budded and grafted tree that to save correspondence will here say that, so far as results are concerned, there is no difference. A budded tree will bear as soon as a grafted tree, and vice versa. Grafting is done in the winter and spring months, by various methods, while trees are more or less dormant. Budding is done in the summez, by the annular or veneer shield methods, when sap is flowing freely. The operations of grafting and budding are entirely different, but the ultimate result is the same, and a budded tree is just as desirable as a grafted one. We therefore reserve the right to ship either budded or crafted trees, according to our stock of each kind. Budded and Grafted Trees Compared With Seedlings.— Grafted and bud- ded trees have advantages over seedlings because (1) they usually begin to bear much earlier than seedlings; (2) they reproduce the variety from which buds ipa and grafts were taken; (3) uniformity in size, shape and quality of nuts; (4) perpetuation of characteristics of parent tree; (5) greater care and attention usually given them on account of their greater value, resulting in quicker growth and early fruiting. Cost of Budded and Grafted Trees.— As a consequence of the variable suc- cess attending the propagation of Pecans, and the comparative slowness of the various processes of grafting and budding, as compared with the simpler prop- agation of peaches, plums, oranges, apples, etc., the trees must necessarily seil at a price which allows a margin to cover (1) bad seasons; (2) sacrifice of nuts from choice bearing trees by the cutting of scions or budding wood; (3) tem- porary disfigurement of seedling trees where grafts or buds fail to take; (4) the extra care and attention necessary the first season; (5) the fact that the stocks must he two years or more old; (6) that whole roots must be used, whereas with many other trees grafts can be successfully grown on short section of root. Losses to Nurserymen.— Great losses in budding and grafting occur some years from unfavorable weather, prolonged drouths, or prolonged rainy weather, being generally inimical to the success of the respective operations. “Best Is the Cheapest.”— In horticulture (for profit), as in all other busi- ness matters, the best is the cheapest in the long run. A Pecan tree lives to an indefinite age, and generation after generation will enjoy the fruits of what we are now planting; therefore plant the best you can get and leave a perma- nent monument to your skill and foresight. Good Stock, Why It Should be Planted.— This covers an important feat- ure of the nursery business. The following plan is strongly and earnestly advocated as being the most reasonable and rational where seedling groves are planted, whether the trees are intended to be subsequently budded or grafted or otherwise: In private or commercial orchards, only seedlings grown from choice nuts, gathered from trees of vigorous growth and prolific annual bearers, should be planted, even if they cost a little more than the common seedling, for the following practical reasons: (1) Good seedlings will unquestionably produce better nuts than inferior seedlings. (2) In the event of failure to get your trees budded or grafted, you have the next best thing. (3)The influence of a good stock on a bud or graft is likely to be more beneficial than preju- dicial. (4) The nuts from good seedlings are themselves profitable, whereas if very small Pecans, pignuts, hickories or allied stocks of inferior varieties be used, and not subsequently budded or grafted with choice Pecans, the product of these seedling trees would be practically worthless. Saving Expense.— Where one can not afford to plant a grove entirely of grafted or budded trees, the better plan is to plant seedlings grown from choice nuts, at the same time to buy a few budded or grafted trees of some of the WA) “Atlanta” grafted tree bearing nuts the first season,in nursery row, at DeWitt, Ga. Height of tree, 24 inches. Age of seedling root. 19 months. Graft inserted March 15th, 1902. Photographed August 12th, 1902. The two nuts show plainly within the circle. White. Mr.G. M. Bacon. WiGesl8ts (0), Grafted tree. Two grafts putin April 4th, 1902. Photo taken August 12th, 1902. Tree 3 years old. One graft put in main stem at point indicated by Mr. Bacon's hand, the other at point where Mr. White’s hand _rests on branch, White bandages and sticks temporarily on lower branch to lessen danger of graft blowing off. choicest varieties, from which subsequently to get scions and buds. Good bud- ding or grafting wood is difficult to obtain in large quantities and is necessarily expensive. Therefore, where seedlings are planted, it behooves everyone to forestall this difficulty by having their own budded or grafted trees of choice varieties and subsequently to nave all the seedlings converted into specific varieties, which can be done any time after seedlings have become well estab- lished in their permanent place and have commenced to grow vigorously. The second or third year would perhaps be the best time to have the trees budded or grafted. Budding will be found generally more satisfactory (for weil-grown trees in their second year, from transplanting and subsequently) than grafting; they can be budded anywhere above the ground, two, three, or four feet, or higher if stock is big enough, or, if they have branched, each branch may be budded. They can be grafted (see illustration, page 13). et eae [1 Momwmork Nursery of budded and grafted trees of various varieties, DeWitt, Ga. Disappointment Inevitable——There will be many disappointments in the Pecan business to those who have planted the “cheapest” trees they could buy without investigating source or variety of trees or reliability of party selling them. As an instance, pignut trees, represented as choice Pecan trees, have actually been sold to many persons. It will be heart-breaking to those who have planted such trees, relying upon them to support them in their old age, to 14 find they have been swindled and all hope of rest and peace in their declining years dashed to the ground. Men will die and leave “Pecan” groves of this kind to their widows and chi!dren—with what result ? “Live and Win.”—As compared tolife insurance, as an investment, every- thing is in favor of a Pecan grove. After the investment is once made there are no premiums to be paid and you do not have to die to reap the benefits. The following from the Semi-Weekly Journal, of August 24th, 1900, on this subject, is well worth reading: “The premium on a life insurance policy of $5,000 invested in a Pecan grove will soon eatn annually an amount equal to the face of the policy and annual increase. Parents and guardians of children will find in this industry safety, surety of annual incomes throughout life, which can be reached by no other investments. In the Southern States are thousands of acres, so-called “worn out,” that will grow Pecans under cultivation, as the roots of these trees feed upon soils not reached by other tree-roots and soon can be made to pay a handsome income where now such lands only grow taxes. Investigation will furnish proof of all we have said of the valuable industry, the value of which is beyond the figures we have yet stated in the public prints.” He nwho plants: as tree. He plants love. Tents of coolness spreading out Above wayfarers he may not live to see. Gifts that grow are best; Hands that bless are blest; Plant! hte does the rest: Heaven and earth helps him who plants a tree, And his work its own reward shall see.” Common Sense.— The expenditure of a small extra amount now with s reliable nurseryman (to ensure getting a good tree), as against the lesser cost of a tree grown from a small, unselected or cull nut (too small or too thick- shelled to sell, or from pignuts, hickories and allied species), will repay the extra expenditure a thousandfold, and one’s conscience will rejoice in the knowledge of having done the best for himself and those he leaves behind him. ao ao ao INFERIOR TREES EXPENSIVE. In the 44th Annual Report of the Horticultural Society of Missouri (1901), appears an article by Albert Brownell, Northwest Horticulturist, upon the subject of “cheap trees.” It is replete with so much truth and common sense that it may be read with profit by all concerned. It reads “Tt costs more to produce a good article than a poor one, and in buying, the first question should be not how cheap but how good it is. Many people understand this well enough. and yet how few ever stop to apply the rule to 15 nursery stock. In no other kind of purchase is the quality of the article of such vital importance as in nursery stock. The price of a tree is the smallest part of its cost by the time it has come into bearing. If a man buys cheap trees, to save a few cents on each, by the time the tree comes into bearing the expense of the land, labor, etc., has amounted to several times the cost of the trees; and consequently if his cheap stock turns out, as it uniformly does, to be of inferior and worthless varieties, then it is a serious loss to him and he has to begin all over again. Now, is it not plain to all that it is rank folly for anyone to risk this dead loss of trees, use of land for years, expense of culti- vating, etc., to save a few cents on the tree, when for a trifling increase in price he can get the very best warranted stock? As a matter of insurance a man can not afford to buy anvthing but the best warranted stock, It is a general rule, which can be relied on, that “cheap” stock is worthless stock, and therefore dear at any price. If a man won't pay for good stock, and buys cheap stock in order to save money, he is very sure to lose all he puts into it. Most of the worthless stock is worked off by strange agents, who sell on their own account and are not authorized by any responsible firm to take orders for them. Such men buy up refuse stock from large nurseries for almost nothing and fill their orders with it, claiming it to be good. ‘They also frequently war- rant the stock, but as they are unknown or irresponsible, their warranty is View of seedling Pecan nursery at DeWitt, Ga. 16 absolutely worthless. If people would buy only from agents who can show a certificate authorizing them to represent a responsible firm, there would be no danger of being cheated. WE CAN NOT GET SOMETHING FOR NOTHING. “This is not a world where we can get something for nothing, and when an article is offered at an extraordinarily low price, there must be some good reason for it. The very simple reason is that as the article is of bad quality it can not be sold in competition with first-class goods, and is therefore neces- sarily worked off on the public at a low rate to catch those people who will bite at anything cheap, without regard to quality. Such people never. get ahead because they waste their money on poor trash that gives them no ‘value received’ for their outlay.” A Warning.— Beware of Tree Peddlers! Look sharp for the so-called “nurseryman” who rents a small piece of ground and plants it in the cheapest nuts he can find. After securing a few large, fine nuts, as samples of what he has planted, he sets out to catch the suckers. Owing to the fact that the common Pecan does not begin to bear for five to ten years, the swindler’s opportunity is assured. We do not mean to say that everyone who plants nuts on “rented”’ ground is necessarily a swindler, but intend to emphasize the prudence of satis- fying yourself as to the reliability of the party from whom you buy your trees. Have nothing to do with dealers who guarantce tree to bear in two and three vears. There is not one chance in ten thousand of any Pecan tree doing this. No Agents.— We have no agents! All pretending to be such are FRAups! We send out regularly appointed traveling salesmen, who will take orders, but NO ONE is authorized to receive money, receipt bills, nor deliver trees. Send ail money direct to us, and do not accept trees unless accompanied by certificate signed by G. M. Bacon. Another Species of Fraud.— On account of the immense popularity ofatie Pecan, the market is flooded with frauds of all kinds. The Atlanta Journal, of August 30th, 1900, warns its readers in the following article: “As the demand for budded Pecan trees has rapidly increased, and the visible stock. cf such trees in American nurseries is exceedingly limited from the difficulty of their propagation, there have lately appeared some tree-venders who are offering so-called budded trees which are apt to disappoint the pur- chasers. QOne-year-old seedlings are cut back near the surface of the soil, and when the new growth is a toot high an incision in the shape of a T is made near the severed part, which, when healed over, makes it appear as if the tree had been budded; the scar is pointed out as an evidence of this. It would he well for intending purchasers to closely ex camine alt such trees that are offered. They are nothing but seedlings ‘doctore SCAly Again, The Nut Grower (August, 1902), in an article headed ‘“‘Unscrupulous Dealers,” written by Mr. Herbert C. White, a gentleman of much practical experience in Pecan culture ana propagation, says “Tt will soon be time for ordering Pecan and other nut trees for the coming fall and winter planting. ‘The greatest possible care should be taken to buy trees, whether seedling, budded or graited, from reliable men who do no: E7 misrepresent matters. The possibilities of practicing fraud with nut trees, espe- cially Pecans (in so far as budding and grafting are concerned), are so great that several unscrupulous parties for several seasons past have been selling ‘faked’ trees, representing them as budded or grafted, according to the partic- ular style of deception. “Tt is the easiest possible matter to so cut the bark of a common seedling tree, during the spring and summer months, that it will have every appearance by the fall of being budded or grafted. If the work is well done (?) an expert can hardly tell that the fake work is not genuine, at all events not without destroying the tree; and even then it may be impossible to tell, for if the cuts are made as deep as they would have to be in genuine budding, deep enough for bark to be easily detached, some slight injury is more than apt to occur in places to the alburnum or outer layer of sap-wood on seedling tree. Under these circumstances, even by cutting a longitudinal section through the “budded’ portion of the tree for examination purposes, it is doubtful if in all cases it be possible to tell whether the tree is faked or not. “Tt would be a comparatively easy matter for a person familiar with bud- ding and grafting in all its details to detect fake buds or grafts within several weeks of the work being done, and while trees stood in nursery rows, as some little time must elapse before the ‘chit, or eye, of transplanted bud form a good union with wood of seedling tree, notwithstanding the ‘heart to heart’ theory advanced by one vender of fake trees. A practiced eye can tell at a glance the growth from a genuine bud while trees are in nursery rows, espe- cially during the first season. “Assuming trees to be genuinely budded, the question of genuineness of variety comes up. Such phenomena as ‘bud variations’ so rarely occur that the excuse of ‘bud variation’ could not be intelligently used in the event of several trees not coming true to variety represented. “One can not afford to wait irom five to ten years to find that they have been duped, and it is a question whether or not the legal statutory limitations in most of the States would not bar a prosectition by the time the fraud was proved.” Budding and Grafting Contracts.— Parties having seedling trees, which they wish grafted or budded, will be given such advice and suggestions as the best experience dictates and, when possible, contracts for this kind of work will be taken at prices consistent with good work. Japanese Walnuts.— We are offering Japanese Walnut trees (Juglans Sieboldiana) raised from nuts from our own trees. This nut, while not as good as the English or Persian Walnut, is worthy of extensive planting. The tree is of very rapid growth, begins to bear nuts, in clusters of from seven to fifteen, at four years from seed. The meat is very sweet and will be much used by confectioners. In our opinion, the merits of this nut are not generally fully known. In flavor and quantity of meat it surpasses the butternut or hickorv. The foliage is very handsome and the trees, being of comparatively dwarf growth, may be planted 25x25 feet. Chestnuts.— We have several large, bearing trees, of dense foliage and speedy growth, but the results, as to heavy fruiting, have not come up to 18 Ao ATEN ae Bearing Persian or Egnlish Walnut Tree (Variety : Japanese Walnuts (Juglans Sieboldiana). Grown at DeWitt, Ga. Preparturiensis). DeWitt, Ga. expectations, and as we only advocate the planting of those trees which are sure to yield a certain profit, we do not at present offer any trees for sale. Real- izing the great value of this nut for edible and other purposes, and seeing no reason why at least some varieties should not thrive in the lower South, as it Goes in Spain, with very similar climate, experiments and tests will be made kere with a view to finding a variety which can be successfully and profitably grown. Engiish Walnuts.— English (or Persian) Walnuts have not been a general success in the lower South on account of an affection of the root, although there are scattering trees bearing full crops of fine nuts. We have one ourselves. As to the Future.— Experiments are being conducted here which, from indications, point to the fact that a root has been found (free from diseases) upon which the English Walnut may be successfully grafted or budded. An Invitation.— We invite those who so desire to visit our groves and nur- series. We will take pleasure in entertaining callers between trains, giving them the benefit of our experience, and a practical demonstration of the best methods of transplanting young trees, etc. References.—If you don’t know us, or of us, and wish to get better ac- quainted, let us know and we will furnish you with the best references in the State of Georgia. We have been living in this place twenty years, and have been in business in the county since the close of the Civil War. As to Dealers.— Dealers purchasing from us sell on their own responsi- bility. We likewise disclaim any liability for results arising from defective planting, or at improper seasons, or from subsequent faulty treatment and cultivation. We are not responsible for any loss or damage arising from any failure thereof. Guarantee.— We guarantee all stock sent out to be well-rooted, well-grown for age, properly packed and shipped according to instructions. Our liability under all circumstances is limited in amount to the original price received. “Remember, that no package of trees pertaining to come from our nurseries is genuine unless it bears a certificate signed by G. M. Bacon. How to Send Money.— Make remittances the most convenient way, but do not send money in open mail. Registered letters are considered safe; P. O. or Express Money Orders should be drawn on Albany, Ga.; New York Ex- change accepted at par. Personal checks, except Albany, Ga., must include fifteen cents for exchange, and in no case will trees be shipped until such checks are reported collected by bank. We prefer P. O. money orders. Time of Payments.— Unless by special agreement, all payments are posi- tively cash in advance. Nothing sent C. O. D. Mail orders for future delivery must be accompanied by one-fourth cash as a guarantee of good faith. 20 How to Write Orders.— Always use the order blanks sent with circulars for making up orders, both for your convenience and ours. If for any reason you have no blanks, write the order on separate sheet of paper. Be sure your name and P. QO. address is plainly written. Responsibility in Transportation — When we take clean receipt from rail- way Or express companies, our responsibility is at an end. We are not respon- sible for any claims that may arise from then on. We make no charges for packing, packages, or cartage. All prices are F. O. B. under all circumstances. Address communications and make paper payable to G. M. Bacon, DeWitt, Ga. No San Jose Scale. Our nurseries are annually inspected by the Georgia State Entomologist, copy ot whose certificate accompanies every shipment of trees. The fumigation of all nursery stock with hydrocyanic acid gas (required by the laws of the State of Georgia) is carried out in a scientific manner under our personai super- vision. Varieties. Specimen nuts kept on exhibition at our office and at office of S. W. Bacon Fruit Go. 33, W. Alabama St, Atlanta,, Ga. As nuts of the finest varieties of Pecans command a ready sale at from $1.00 to $3.00 per pound, parties writing for specimens are requested to enclose five cents for each nut desired, which will be deducted from bill if trees are bought irom us and order amounts to $5.00 or over. LDL = heh Georgia Giant. Combines all good qualities to a greater degree of perfection than any Pecan known. The nut is very large, ovate in shape, thin shell, meat full and rich. At five years old, the parent tree bore thirty-two nuts that weighed an even pound. It has borne large crops every vear since. The parent tree came to us as did the Elberta peach to Sam’l H. Rumph. We have budded and grafted trees of this variety, : but not enough te fill long standing orders or to go on market with same (winter and spring, 1902-1903). Owing to the fact that this variety has not heretofore been propa- gated by budding or grafting, it has been decided, in view of the numerous applications from every section for same, and to show no partiality, that none be shipped or sold until present orders can be filled. Orders for budded and grafted trees of this variety should be sent in early in 1903 for fall, winter and spring planting of 1903-1904. We have a limited number of seedling trees of this variety, and on account of its blooming earlier than nearly every other variety and those trees standing immediately around it, it is expected that a large percentage will come true to seeds. Prices of Seedling Georgia Giant Trees. Sizes: Each. Per: 20: Perso: Grin ChesatOnl MOOt ei. > sa ee Se Cte re $2.00 $18.00 $160.00 PRHOOb ato, 2 e1CUb v5 os teres Seed vat ancae ert 3.00 25.00 200.00 PRLCeEMO. 7 LECE \aeicccse tact ody crap eens ot naeAON 4.00 30.00 250.00 2 Mammoth. Longer than Georgia Giant. This nut runs to two and one-fourth inches in length and one inch in diameter. The parent tree stands on a pocr sand ridge and in a Ber- muda grass pasture. It is one of the finest and largest nuts, and the tree, though young, is a good annual bearer. Atlanta. Medium size, oblong, pointed, shell thin. Has probably more meat for size of nut than any other variety, except “Bacon’s Choice.” Trees bear every year. Exceptionably valu- able. Stevens. Named for Hon ©; 2 Stevens, Commis- sioner of Agriculture, State of Georgia. Med- » lum size, elliptical, oblong in shape; bright and pretty. Very thin shell and always full of rich meat, whether the seasons are wet or dry. Trees annual full bearers. Bacon’s Choice. Medium size, slightly ovate, creased toward the apex. Shell thin, partitions thin, corky substance absent, kernel plump, meat of delicious flavor. Heavy annual bearer. Highly recommended by Professor Hume, of Florida Experiment Station. Senator. Pear shaped; shell and partitions thin: kernel full and plump. It is a favorite with the housewife on account of the ease with which the kernel is extracted, and its other excellent qualities. Heavy annual bearer. NO Oo Magnumbonum. A fine, large nut, ovate in shape, of thin shell and rich, delicious flavor. It is a com- mercial favorite and highly recommended. This nut closely resembles the “Georgia Giant,” both in size and other good qualities. Heavy annual bearer. (Budded and grafted trees for sale, season 1903-1904. ) Egg Shell. So called on account of the extreme thinness of shell, which is its speciai merit. It has a fine flavor and is a good bearer. Above medium size. Brackett. Ovate: im shape;” thin’ ‘shell. Named Stor sour United States pomologist, the Hon. G. B. Brackett. It is a very fime market Pecan, unexcelled in richness y” of flavor. Trees are fine growers, heavy bearers, and with proper care and attention come into bearing at five years old. DQ DBD 82 NEW VARIETIES. The following varieties have been budded and grafted with buds and scions from bearing trees in Louisiana and Mississippi. We are top-budding and grafting a number of fifteen-year-old trees in our groves with these varieties. As soon as these buds and grafts on these large trees bear, we will obtain prop- agating wood therefrom. Frotscher Egg Shell. This is a very popular variety, and owing to its excellent qualities have propagated same. Nut large, oblong-ovoid in shape, thin shell; kernel plump and sweet. Centennial. One of the oldest improved varie- ties. Nut large, pointed at both ends; shell thin; kernel plump. ‘The parent tree is believed to have been grafted fifty years ago. Columbian. Rome. This nut is believed by many to be iden- tical with the “Rome,” “Pride of the Coast,” and “Twentieth Century.” There is abundant reason for this belief. It is one of the largest Pecans known. Shape, round at one end, pointed at the other; kernel rich and sweet. A very profitable variety. Description practically same as “Colum- bian” and “Pride of the Coast.” Van Deman. Stuart. Large nut, oblong in shape, pointed at apex; shell thin. A favorite variety 1n Florida and Georgia. One of the oldest named varieties. Ovoid in shape; shell thin; kernel plump. A popular variety of demonstrated value and excellence. No wal Capital. A large, handsome nut, oblong-ovoid in shape, bearing much resemblance to the ‘Co- lumbian.” Robson. A medium-sized, very thin-shelled nut, ob- long-ovoid an shape, very full of meat. A com- paratively new variety, but of great merit. As to Other Varieties Not Listed Herein. We realize the fact that there are a few other varieties of merit, which will be added to our list from time to time as we have an opportunity to verify all good points claimed for them. Some of our customers will probably want to obtain trees not listed by us. For the accommodation of such parties, we will be pleased to order for them any variety of Pecan, walnut or other tree they may wish, purchasing same only from those nurserymen who are regarded in the trade as reliable. Saving Trouble.—In this way parties may save themselves much corres- pondence, trouble and annoyance and have the benefit of our advice and experi- ence in such matters at no greater expense than if they undertook to order the trees directly from various parties. Grafting and Budding Wood.—Parties wishing grafting or budding wood of any variety will also be accommodated in lke manner, so far as in our power to obtain same for them. Japan Walnut (Sieboldiana). A hardy tree of magnificent foliage, handsome form and early bearing; comes true to seed. 20 Price- List. oo 2? & GRAFTED AND BUDDED TREES. Mammoth, Atlanta, Stevens, Bacon’s Choice, Senator, Frotscher Egg Shell, Centennial, Columbian, Van Deman, Egg Shell, Stuart, Capital, Rob- son, Rome. Inches. Each. Per Doz, Peroroo: IUGROOr ite ct age ate RAN, Co ae, ce A Wieimed eet $1.50 $15.00 $100.00 2) Ot (ONS ei trys COR 5 eee PRR aed Dy Ree P75 18.00 125.00 Orel OMe Seen ees eta eee ee sie 2.00 21.00 T50.00 Special prices on larger trees. In any case, let us know what you want and we will figure with you. The above varieties are grafted and budded upon exceptionally good seedling stoeks,apd no pignuts, hickories, or other inferior allied stocks are used by us. The nuts from which our stocks are grown are of the same grade and class, and in many cases better than those referred toin subjoined testimonials. Gg Bao & CHOICE SEEDLING TREES OF SPECIFIC VARIETIES. (Raised from nuts from Jarge, healthy, early-bearing, vigorous trees, and especially recommended after our sixteen years’ experience. ) Mammoth, Atlanta, Stevens, Senator, Bacon’s Choice, Brackett, Mag- numbonum. Sizes. Each. ero: Pee roo: Per 1,000. Gaiiches tom foot, one years... $20 $1.90 $18.00 $160.00 HOO tO, alechwoneryealnry cael. 25 2.35 22.50 200 . 00 Breet Ona Teel. UWOy VEabSe ta tae ie .50 ATs 45.00 400 .00 Beck O4 HECEM LYON CALS oy..cs2 yer ors ays Fe 67.50 600 . 00 A feet -aneyOver, tWO Vals... .°. [.00 9.50 go .00 800 .00 For Prices of “Georgia Giant” Trees, see page 22. ao oD ao JAPAN WALNUTS. (Juglans Sieboldiana.) Sizes. Each. Per 10: Rem roo: Gomiches fonepteeh One Veadretrs tia. ware otek Sees $2.40 $22.50 PIEetr Os ECE EWOr Vy CADSt inc» ts) o ches ey os oe . 30 2.85 27.00 fq heel 1Ows HLeCEA PIECE VeatSy 2). 2s pecs eer 50 tag as 45.00 AeTeet ctor pihee tw thee, ViCAEG sy Sn, seance st- cieeeoe 75 FiO 67.50 eer / COMMERCIAL PECAN SEEDLINGS. Separate and distinct from our seedling trees of specific varieties (above named), and to fill the demands of the trade and large growers, we plant each year many hundreds of pounds of nuts, produced in our commercial orchards, and keep a large stock of trees always on hand to supply nurserymen and others. We offer well-grown, thrifty Pecan seedlings one and two years old at the following prices: Sizes. Per 100. Per 1,000. TMPL OO AREE a, APNE Cettal cee A casi lo Men ee ale st ae Ueto SRNR aD $10.00 $ 90.00 2 AON Bat C Obs ciaral. Satta ote oun Sepa: syn Ce le beis eat ete OR Se Meee SOO 225.00 ELON REECE Mtns Cuan aetna Ss ahi ts Ne neers fae tena long neos toa meee 45.00 360 .00 PAGEC EES ATNG HOVE O sa cete eta vce che re esate oe gots. ede ce Clase Me wes 50.00 450.00 Liberal discounts allowed on large orders. Correspondence from nur- serymen and others invited. NUTS. Parties wishing to purchase nuts for seed or edible purposes are requested to send us list of varieties, with quantities wanted, and we will quote prices. FMR E eee— Our Trees Are Dug by Skilled Men and Not Ploughed Up. GP hs a. NUMBER OF TREES TO THE ACRE. Distance Apart—feet. No. of Trees. ZO EEG aes rau ed aeeiic esa Ay ytylnienaiieh clip Winco Stn ce, SRaO Wea) GSE Ne nd ae Sane weno Renee me me 108 DOR DEY cate: abe ei airel ere ils «Lea RS teste SRN RRR NEE No fo estas RO Ree neat 69 BORA Oae0e «cet a mnenlee Des Me desel estlan ann guanan toate Silieal Net alae re Ol marke tC gay «eer ee 48 ISD GOAT RORgen ee SUN ows PSOE ok ney Se MEERA EE, PY MLD Ce ne OL RAI ES ites Ge! 35 AOSCPOBE: cist tore ene Geert SRM Neal wpe 6 Sel 5 iS oy sc td eUm RR ncaa aegis eae eee 27 A> ASR aioe Sor Oe GEPRERCL ACEO O CL OnOLS EO HERA ee ea Oe erro Oo URorgn OA sO Okea pe a.0b S 21 BORG Oe. Aen Be weat wayaeeteiants ecru (hse, 5 “sahtang orator abe ete et ll ee 17, CORD Oy fo os lacie asst cathe seat teesie aw col ox ce wage BEDE he a eat ake ea 12 “The Proof of the Pudding is in the Eating.” We have a number of trees, the products of which, while very fine, are not up to the standard for seed. To give some idea of the high esteem in which they are held by the public in general, the following letters from merchants who have handled them are submitted. THE “COMMERCIAL PECAN SEEDLINGS” WE OFFER FOR SALE ARE RAISED FROM NUTS EQUAL IN SIZE AND QUALITY TO THOSE HERE REFERRED TO. a a ao “The Largest and Pre-Eminently Superior in Richness of Flavor.” ALBANY, Ga., Feb. 21, Ig00. This is to certify that we have soid the paper shell Pecans, grown by Mr. G. M. Bacon, of DeWitt, Ga., for several years, and they are pronounced by all the largest and pre-eminently superior in richness of flavor to all others ever seen or offered for sale in this market. The demand has always been greater than the supply. ALBANY DruG CoMPANY, Wholesale and Retail Druggists, b. “Ee opeGrss Sec ye “My Customers Will Have No Others.” ALBANY, GA., July 20, 1900. Mr. G. M. Bacon, DeWitt, Ga. ie DeAR Sir:—It is rather early, but I’ want to bespeak in time an ample supply of your present crop of Pecans. My customers will have no others. Although I have handled many hundreds of pounds in the past, I have never been able to supply the demand. Please let me know as early as possible how many you can let me have the coming season, and oblige Yours respectfully, J. J. McCranig, Retail Groceries. “They Have Proven More Than Satisfactory.” : ArBANy, Gary Keb: 25) 1900: Mr. G. M. Bacon, DeWitt, Ga. é Dear Srr:—Referring to your inquiry as to the demand and quality of Pecans supplied me from your groves, I am pleased to say that they have proved more satisfactory to my trade, both on account of size and flavor, than any I have been able to obtain elsewhere. Yours truly, S. STERNE, Retail Groceries. 29 Customers Will Not Have Those From Other Markets. ALBANY, Ga., July 20, 1900. Mr. G. M. Bacon, DeWitt, Ga. Dear Sir:—We would like to know the prospects of securing more of your Pecans this season. As you know, we sell a great many in a retail way, and when yours give out our customers won't have those we are able to buy from New York and the other markets. Not only the size, but the quality is far ahead of anything we are able to get. As early as possible, kindly let us know how many will be our share of your crop of 1900. Let us have all you can, Very truly, Mock & Rawson, : Retail Groceries. “They Are Certainly Very Fine Flavor and Full Meated.” AGLANTA + GAs r Sept.) 1. 1900: Mr. G. M. Bacon, DeWitt, Ga. Dear Sir:—We have used some of your Pecans, bought from the S. W. Bacon Fruit Co., and we found them to be so much better than the Texas Pecans that we would like to‘arrange to get ali we need this season from you. They are certainly very fine flavor and full meated. Let us know if you can furnish us this season, and oblige. Yours truly, McDonatp & Co., Commission, Fruit and Produce. “The Pecans Were Full Meated and of Exceptionally Fine Flavor.” ATLANTA, GA., Aug. 20, 1900. Mr. G. M. Bacon, DeWitt, Ga. Dear Sir:—We bought several sacks of your Pecans from the S. W. Bacon Fruit Co., and our customers were well pleased with them. The Pecans were full meated and of exceptionally fine flavor. We would be pleased to have you let us know how many you can let us have from your crop this season, Yours truly, C. J. KAMPER GROCERY Go., Retail Groceries. “Far Superior to the Texas Pecans.” ATLANTA, GA: Aug, 20; 1900: Mr. G. M. Bacon, DeWitt, Ga. Dear Sir:—The Pecans we bought through the S. W. Bacon Fruit Co. ‘ were very fine, being full meated, sweet, and far superior to the Texas Pecans. We would be pleased to have some more of them as soon as they are ripe. Please let us hear from you, and oblige Yours respectfully, A. FuGAzzi, Commission, Fruit and Produce. Nore.—The above are only a few testimonials, selected on account of their terseness and the business standing of the writers. 30 An Appeal. “Young man, plant a Pecan grove, and it will support you in your old age, and enable you to pass the evening of your life in luxury, free from the toil and care necessary to the ordinary callings. Old gentleman, whose tide oi life is upon the ebb, and whose tottering footsteps are slowly carrying you towards the other side of the Great River, plant a Pecan grove, because it does not require the amount of care and cultivation necessary to other crops, and if you do not live to reap the benefits from it yourself, those who come after you, and for whom it is your duty to provide, while enjoying the fruit of your labor and forethought, will always have a green spot in their memory for the gocd old man who was so thoughtful as to provide bountifully for them in his old age, and they will plant a fresh flower on your grave with every recur- ring Spring.” From an article in The Rural World, by E. T-: Hollister, which shows how high an estimate is placed upon the Pecan by one who is in every way capaci- tated to judge of its worth. OCT 7 1902 MEMORANDA. PRESS OF FOOTE & DAVIES CO., ATLANTA. oy Sow his v