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ILLUSTRATED EDITION NO.VI
TO PLANT IT
TO GROW IT
TO bV/Y IT
I L LV S T R. AT E D
G.M.DAeoN Pecan Groves
N COR PO R AT E D
DE WITT
GEORGIA
THE PECAN
TREE
HOW TO PLANT IT
HOW TO GROW IT
HOW TO BUY IT
ILLUSTRATED
A Comprehensive Treatise Upon
PECAN CULTURE
SIXTH EDITION
OFFICERS
G. M. BACON, President R. J. BACON, Vice-President
C. D. MALLARY, Sec y & Treas.
G. M. BACON PECAN GROVES, Inc.
SUCCESSORS TO
THE G. M. BACON PECAN COMPANY, Inc.
DEWITT, MITCHELL COUNTY, GEORGIA
G./V bacon
oean urovc^s
Grand Prize awarded The G. M. Bacon Pecan Groves, Inc.,
St. Louis Exposition, 1914
G.A . bacon Grov^s^|^
l‘vCOBeoi>»lt'’
Mr. G. M. Bacon and Granddaughter, “Roxana
G.A.baeon
(Hicoria Pecan (Marsh), Britton; Carya olivaeformis, Nuttall.)
Introductory. — In„ issuing this, the sixth edition of ‘‘The Pecan
Tree. How to Plant It, How to Grow It, How to Buy It,” it is done
with the knowledge that the last five editions have been received with
much favor, and that many unsolicited commendations from promi-
nent growers, Government and State officials, have reached us.
The large growth of our business, and the great demand for the
five previous editions, also affords confirmatory evidence of the value
of the work.
The Pecan a Specialty.— By making a single specialty of the
Pecan, and with our large acreage and long experience with Pecans,
we are in a better position to serve and advise our customers than if
we were engaged in a general nursery business and treated the Pecan
as a subordinate or side issue.
It is our hope that the statements contained in the following
pages will assist growers and prospective growers in the proper plant-
ing, culture and development of highly profitable Pecan orchards.
Gold Medal for Pecans. — We were awarded a diploma and gold
medal for our exhibit of Pecans at the Louisiana Purchase Exposition,
held at St. Louis, in 1904. We also received the only medal and
diploma awarded specifically for growing Pecan trees planted on the
Exposition grounds. We were also awarded the gold medal at James-
town Exposition, 1909.
Location. — Our Pecan groves and nurseries (over 600 acres), are
located at Dewitt, Mitchell County, Georgia, twelve miles south of
Albany, Georgia, on the Albany and Thomasville Division of the
Atlantic Coast Line Railway.
Two passenger trains each way daily afford visitors convenient
means of visiting us.
Our offices are connected with both local and long-distance tele-
phones, and we have arrangements with both the Western Union and
the Postal Telegraph Companies for the prompt forwarding of tele-
grams by telephone from Albany, Georgia.
Descriptive. — Botanically, the Pecan belongs to the order Jug-
landaceae (Walnut family), Genus Hicoria (Hickory), to which
genus also belong the various species of the common hickory, the
shellbarks, pig nuts.
Of this genus (Hicoria), the Pecan (Hicoria Pecan), is by far
of the greatest pomological importance.
A Handsome Tree. — The Pecan grows to a large, stately tree,
eventually attaining a height of one hundred and fifty feet and over,
with spreading branches and symmetrical top. Being a deciduous
tree, it loses its foliage in late autumn, but furnishes an abundant
shade during the warm summer months.
Page four
G.A.bacon Groves^|
,/VCOQPODAlt0
Range of Culture. — The Twelfth Census reported bearing Pecan
trees in twenty-two States. The next census will doubtless report
bearing Pecans in several more States. In a general way it can be
said that the Pecan may be planted wherever cotton is grown, some
Pecans are, however, being produced in States north and west of the
cotton belt, including Illinois, Indiana and California. The Pecan is
the only nut capable of successful culture over such a vast area of
country, and it is for this reason that in a bulletin issued by the Gov-
ernment in 1896, it is said “the Pecan is probably destined to become
the leading nut of the American market/’ and that “if its culture is
pushed with the usual skill and energy of American enterprise, there
is every reason to believe that it will not be many years that the
Pecan will become not only an abundant nut in our markets, but also
an important article of export.” In the past few years we have shipped
Pecan trees to thirty States and Territories, including Indian Terri-
tory, Oregon and New Mexico. Our trees or nuts have also been sent
to Europe, Mexico, Canada, Australia, Hawaiian and Philippine
Islands, and South America, while inquiries have reached us from
British possessions in South Africa.
An Important Industry. — More intelligent attention is being given
each year to the planting and cultivation of the Pecan. The perma-
nent and increasing annual value of the tree is being realized. Ex-
perimental stages have been passed, and the outlook for the industry
is brighter than ever. The demand for fine nuts for table and con-
fectionery purposes is constant, and the supply is entirely inadequate.
The industry, so far as the better nuts is concerned, is in its smallest
infancy. The large nut meat manufacturers of New York, St. Louis
and San Antonio, Texas, advise that the demand for shelled Pecans
is constantly on the increase.
Soils. — Pecan trees have been planted on rich river bottoms, on
stiff red clay, on deep sand hills, on pebbly soil, on sandy loam under-
laid with clay, as well as on stiff, hard soil, largely fire and pipe clay
(which cracks and bakes in dry weather). Soils continuously boggy
or springy should be avoided, unless well drained. Occasional over-
flows do not hurt the Pecan. Many of our trees are subject to the
overflow of the Flint River, and although they have stood several feet
in the water for days and weeks at a time, they are as vigorous and
as healthy as others. The wild Pecan trees of Texas are also found
along rivers subject to overflow, the nuts, no doubt, being carried by
freshets and deposited on overflowed land. For this reason the fact
that wild Pecans have usually been found on river bottoms gives rise
for the wrong impression that they will only succeed on bottom lands.
Nuts are often carried by birds and squirrels far away from the river
bottoms, and many magnificent wild trees exist on the uplands. Soil
is not the most important factor in a successful Pecan orchard, but
good trees and varieties, properly planted and well cared for.
Page five
G.A.baeon
Transplanting. — The Pecan is a very hardy tree, is easily trans-
planted, and adapts itself to both very variable soil and climatic con-
ditions. Where trees are planted on land with a very wet subsoil, the
tap-root ceases to grow after reaching a stratum where there is a
sufficient supply of water; on the other hand, new tap-roots quickly
form where more moisture is needed. There should be good surface
drainage.
Quality of Nuts. — There is a great difference in the quality and
market value of Pecan nuts. Some are small, thick-shelled and of
poor quality. The best nuts are of medium to large size, with thin
shells, well filled, of good keeping qualities, and delicious flavor.
Varieties.- — Great care is necessary in the selection of varieties.
In planting a Pecan grove it is not advisable to have only one variety,
for the following rea-
sons : The staminate
(male) bloom which
furnishes the pollen
is produced on the
wood of the previous
season’s growth, and
at the point from
where the new
growth starts ; the
pistillate (female)
bloom, from which
the nut is formed, is
produced on the end
of the new growth
when it has grown
from three to ten
inches and over. It
will occasionallyhap-
pen that the stami-
nate bloom (catkins)
mature and release
their pollen before
the female bloom is
sufficiently develop-
ed to be pollinated,
or heavy rains may
wash the pollen from
the catkins at a time
when pistillate bloom
is in a receptive con-
dition. Without pol-
Young Orchard in Corn lination, the female
eean Groves
"'COflPOKAlt'1
Page six
G.A.baeon Grov^s^|
//VCO«POBA',t0
Pecan Grove with Corn Placed Between Rows
bloom withers and dies, or produces nuts without meat, or only par-
tially filled. Potent pollen is essential in a nut or fruit orchard. With
several varieties a more constant supply of pollen will be available.
The pollen of Pecans is a yellow, fine, dust-like substance, and capable
of being carried by air currents a very great distance. Insects also
are factors in the pollination of Pecan blooms. Potent pollen from
one Pecan is fully as efficacious in fertilizing the blooms of another
Pecan as it is its own, and this susceptibility results in lack of cer-
tainty of a seedling tree reproducing identically the seed (nut) from
which it is grown. The effect of cross-pollination, where it occurs,
does not necessarily affect the form or shape of the first generation
(the nut we aim to produce to sell), but the next generation. It may
be better or inferior, for there is no telling what took place at the time
of impregnation. In our long experience, we do not know of a single
instance of a Pecan perfectly reproducing itself from seed, and in only
the rarest instances is there any improvement.
Ornamental, as Well as Valuable. — We can not too earnestly
recommend the planting of the Pecan for shade and ornamental pur-
poses in the South, instead of oaks, poplars, sycamores, elms, maples,
etc. The root system of the Pecan permits the planting of crops,
truck, flowers, etc., within a few feet of it, without filling up the sur-
rounding surface soil with fibrous roots in which nothing will flourish,
as is usually the case with the other trees mentioned. The Pecan is
superior to all these. Two or three Pecan trees, even one tree, will in
a few years yield revenue enough to pay taxes on a very valuable city
Page seven
G./*\. E)ac»on
V,
eean
rove s
WMK/Kml
mm
mKM
**>
!
lot. For this purpose, we
always keep a limited
number of extra large
four and five-year-old
trees, running from eight
to twelve feet high, on
hand, and are prepared to
quote prices on these ex-
tra large trees. They are
ideal for planting on lots,
streets and around resi-
dences, where both quick
shade and early bearing
are desired. These large
trees should be properly
trimmed by us before
shipping, and if so in-
structed, we do this, as
our customers’ interests
are our own, and we wish
every tree sent out, to live,
grow vigorously and bear
early.
Age of Bearing. — The
subject of age of bearing
is more fully discussed
under Profits, Budding
and Grafting. The most
impossible stories are told
bv irresponsible and dis-
honest dealers upon this subject, many seedling trees having been
guaranteed to bear in two years and to come true to seed. It is not
an uncommon occurrence for budded and grafted trees to begin to
bear at three to five years, and we have many which have borne fair
crops of nuts at six years. If Pecans reproduced themselves from
seed, there would be no need for their propagation by budding and
grafting.
World Market. — The Pecan in Europe is practically unknown, but
our many friends there who have distributed the large, thin-shelled
varieties, say that an unlimited market is open as soon as nuts in suffi-
cient quantities can be supplied. It forces the conclusion that those
now going into the industry will reap large rewards. The prediction
that the fine Pecans will eventually supersede the English walnut is
made by many competent judges.
What Dealers Say. — We quote the language of a firm of brokers,
importers and exporters of Duluth, Minn. (The Louis M. Park Co.),
Page eight
Cluster of Nuts
G./A. bacon
to whom we sent samples of several varieties of Pecan nuts in May,
1906. They say :
“We duly received yours of the 20th ult., and the samples of the
new kind of Pecans which you are growing. We showed these to
each one of our buyers here and allowed them to try one. It is the
universal opinion that this is the greatest product in the nut line that
has ever been produced. Buyers predict that this nut will displace,
to a large extent, every other nut on the market, and for shelling pur-
poses they will be universally used. You certainly have a great prod-
uct. The demand will be unprecedented in the history of the nut
business.”
The better vari-
eties of Pecan nuts
almost universally
cause comment of
this nature from
persons who have
only been familiar
with the ordinary
commercial nuts.
It is safe to say
that when these
fine nuts are pro-
duced in sufficient
quantities to find
their way to the
general markets
there will be 100
persons eating Pe-
cans to one now.
Nut Oil . — In
1901, 365T47 gal-
lons of nut oil
were imported,
valued at ports of
entry in the sum
of $169,892. In
1902, 405,021 gal-
lons w^re import-
ed, valued at
$177,145. The in-
crease has steadily
continued. All va-
Heavy Blooming Four-Year-Old Budded Pecan Tree, the 1 leties of Pecans
Pendulous Tassels Along the Twigs and Branches Contain a rich,
Are the Male (Staminate) Blooms delicate and nutri-
Page nine
A Thriving Specimen
G. /‘VC) a eon
eean
roves
tious oil in profitable quantities, but some varieties contain much more
than others. To demonstrate the richness in oil of the Pecan, we
suggest that a kernel be placed upon a piece of wire and lighted. The
kernel of one good Pecan will burn brightly for from five to ten
minutes.
The various nut oils, which are practically pure fats, have a very
high fuel value, and, like olive oil and other oils, may constitute an
important energy yielding constituent of the diet. Of the various
nuts shown in the table on page 12, the richest in fat is the Pecan,
with an average of 70.7 per cent.
Composition of Nuts. — The composition of nuts and nut products
has been studied at a number of the Agricultural Experiment Stations,
notably California, Maine and Iowa, and the table on page 12 sum-
marizes the result of the work so far as some of the better known
sorts of nuts are concerned. For purposes of comparison, several
other common food materials are included. Nuts are, comparatively
speaking, well supplied with mineral matter, this constituent in the
majority of nuts exceeding 2 per cent. The constantly increasing-
consumption of nuts throughout the United States augurs well for a
better appreciation of their food value.
Page ten
G./V bacon
Budded on Three-Year-Old Stock
Bore in Two Years
Average Composition of Some Nuts and Other Foods.
(United States Year Book, 1906.)
EDIBLE PORTION
Kind of Food
Refuse
Water Protein
Fat
Carbohydrates
Ash
Fuel
Sugar
, Crude
Value
Starch, etc.
Fiber
per lb.
Per ct.
Per ct.
Per ct.
Per ct.
Per ct.
Per ct. Per ct. Calories
Almonds
. . .47.00
4.9
21.4
54.4
13.8
3.0
2.5
2,895
Brazil nuts
. .49.35
4.7
17.4
65.0
5.7
3.9
3.3
3,120
Filberts
. .52.08
5.4
16.5
64.0
11.7
2.4
3,100
Hickory nuts
. .62.20
3.7
15.4
67.4
11.4
2.1
3,345
PECANS
.. .50.10
3.4
12.1
70.7
8.5
3.7
1.6
3,300
English walnuts ....
. . .58.80
3.4
18.2
60.7
13.7
2.3
1.7
3,075
Chestnuts, fresh . . . .
. . .15.70
43.4
6.4
6.0
41.3
1.5
1.4
1,140
Chestnuts, dried . . . .
.. .23.40
6.1
10.7
7.8
70.1
2.9
2.4
1,840
Acorns, fresh
. .17.80
34.7
4.4
4.7
50.4
4.2
1.6
1,265
Beechnuts
6.6
21.8
49.9
18.0
3.7
2,740
Butternuts
.. .86.40
4.5
27.9
61.2
3.4
3.0
3,370
Cocoanuts
. . .34.66
13.0
6.6
56.2
13.7
8.9
1.6
2,805
Cocoanuts, dessicated
3.5
6.3
57.4
31.5
1.3
3,125
Pistachio
4.2
22.6
54.5
15.6
3.1
3,250
Pinenut or pinion,
(shelled)
6.2
33.9
48.2
6.5
1.4
3.8
2,710
Peanuts
. .27.04
7.4
29.8
43.5
14.7
2.4
2.2
2,610
Litchi nuts
. . .41.60
16.4
2.9
.8
78.0
1.9
1,510
Meat — Round Steak .
65.5
19.8
13.6
1.1
950
Wheat Flour — High
Grade
12.0
11.4
1.0
74.8
.3
.5
1,650
Potatoes
.. .20.66
78.3
2.2
.1
18.0
.4
1.0
385
Cheese, Cheddar
27.4
27.7
36.8
4.1
4.0
2,145
Eggs, boiled
.. .11.20
65.0
12.4
10.7
.7
680
White bread
35.3
9.2
1.3
52*. 6
'.5
1.1
1,215
Beans, dried
12.6
22.5
1.8
55.2
4.4
3.5
1,605
Apples
. . .25.66
84.6
.4
.5
13.0
1.2
.3
290
Raisins
14.6
2.6
3.3
73.6
2.5
3.4
1,605
Page eleven
G./V bacon
View in Nursery — Showing Four-Year Trees Blooming Profusely
Profits. — The profit in Pecan growing depends almost entirely upon
the kind of Pecan trees planted and the care taken of them. The
Pecan is a tree which responds readily to cultivation, and to get the
best results it should be treated as a fruit tree, at least during its
earlier years. Many customers to whom we sold trees in 1903 and
1904 report them bearing in 1906, some trees with as high as fifty nuts.
Many business and professional men, both North and South, are
investing in Pecans. This Company would not have planted so large
an acreage without the fullest confidence in the extreme value of the
Pecan as a profitable and permanent investment.
It is as easy to raise the fine varieties as the common nuts. The
bearing of seedling trees is so variable that the yields of seedling
groves of to-day are absolutely no criterion to go by, but when, by
selection of varieties, groves of early and large thin-shelled varieties
can now be planted, it will quickly be seen that the average yields
and profits of the future must be enormously greater. A careful
writer succinctly states the matter in the following language : “The
value of a single Pecan tree of the common choice varieties may be
reckoned at ten times the value of its annual yield. The small average
crop of ten pounds per tree, with selling price of ten cents per pound,
a crop and price a very ordinary seedling can make, shows $1.00 per
tree per year, and would undoubtedly show an investment value of
Page twelve
G./A.C)ao>on
$10.00. But take a budded or grafted tree yielding ioo pounds, which
sell for twenty-five cents per pound, and we have $25.00 for a single
crop, showing an investment value of $250 per tree, or $5,000 per acre,
with twenty trees in that area. If this calculation* is not correct, we
will be obliged to the person who can show the error.”
The planting of budded and grafted trees is a matter of compara-
tively recent years and none have yet reached their maximum produc-
tiveness, both on account of age and as so few persons have given
them the care they deserve. Since, however, large commercial orchards
are now being planted by experienced horticulturists and others, we
may look for maximum results in the future.
Pecans and Peaches. — The
planting of Pecan trees in
conjunction with peaches is
an excellent one. Before the
early - bearing peach trees
have outlived their useful-
ness (eight to twelve years),
the Pecan trees will be fur-
nishing profitable and per-
manent crops. In the mean-
time peaches will give an
income while the Pecans are
coming into bearing. The
necessary cultivation o f
peach trees is ideal for the
Pecan. We expect to see all
peach orchards thus utilized.
Inquiries. — We receive nu-
merous inquiries regarding
the setting out, care and cul-
tivation of Pecan groves.
As we give our personal at-
tention to all the details of
propagation, packing, ship-
ping, etc., we find it impos-
sible to always answer such
inquiries by letter as fully
or as promptly as we would
like, and we have, therefore,
embraced herein practically
all the main and material
points, including the selec-
tion of trees, their planting,
fertilization and subsequent
Budded Tree— Showing Union of Bud with
Seedling Stock
Page thirteen
C. A.bacon Groves^^
''Coupon*'^
cultivation. If, however, there is anything you wish to know not
contained herein, kindly write us about it, and we will take pleasure
in advising you at the earliest moment. Do not be disappointed if
you do not hear from us by “return mail.”
Plant Trees. — We have planted nuts where we wanted permanent
trees, but have entirely abandoned that method, finding that trans-
planting from a nursery is far preferable. When others have con-
tended with the same difficulties we have, in the shape of field mice,
squirrels, moles, salamanders, pigs, wood lice, ants, etc., and find
themselves (after yearly replanting for five or six years) with a
grove (?) of trees running from ten inches to twenty feet high, they
will come to the same conclusion. Buy trees from a reliable grower
rather than to try, without any experience, to raise your own trees
and subsequently bud and graft them, with its attendant expense.
When you consider the time spent in getting a grove started, the cost
of seed, fertilizer, cultivation and percentage of losses in non-germi-
nation, you will readily see that it would have been better to have
bought three or four-year-old budded or grafted trees all ready for
planting, in the first place, and have a grove of trees uniform in size
and age from the beginning. By no means every nut which germi-
nates produces a vigorous tree, and we destroy many thousands of
seedlings each year which do not indicate thrift and vigor.
Budded and Grafted Trees, Results the Same. — Between a budded
and a grafted tree there is no difference, so far as results are con-
cerned. A budded tree will bear as soon as a grafted tree, and vice
versa. Grafting is done in the win-
ter and spring months, while scions
are perfectly dormant. Budding is
done in the summer and fall by the
annular, patch or veneer methods, at
any time when bark will slip. The
mechanical operations of grafting
and budding are entirely different,
but a budded tree is just as desira-
ble as a grafted one. Owing to some
growers being able to graft more
successfully than bud, and vice versa,
statements are made to the effect
that “only budded trees” or “only
grafted trees” should be planted !
The statements are both unfair and
unnecessarily perplex the investiga-
tor. Neither the grafting nor bud-
ding seasons are rsepectively long
enough for extensive propagators A Specimen showing “How Trees
like ourselves to get all their work Should Be Headed”
Page fourteen
VoppoCAtt0
G./A.lbaeon
done, hence some trees being budded and others grafted. We reserve
the right to ship either budded or grafted trees, according to our
stock of each kind.
Budded and Grafted Trees Compared With Seedlings. — Grafted
and budded trees have great advantages over seedlings because (i)
they usually begin to bear much earlier than seedlings ; (2) they
reproduce the variety from which buds and grafts were taken ; (3)
the bearing characteristics of the variety is perpetuated ; (4) greater
\alue of the product and the uniformity of same; (5) no greater cost
Pecan Grove, Ideal Place for Poultry Business
of raising the trees ; (6) less cost of gathering and marketing the nuts
than with seedlings, as each variety can be gathered at one time and
sold under its own name or brand.
Cost of Budded and Grafted Trees. — As a consequence of the
variable success attending the propagation of Pecans by budding and'
grafting and the comparative slowness and expense of the processes
as compared with the simpler propagation of peaches, plums, oranges,
apples, etc., the trees must necessarily sell at a price which allows a
margin to cover (1) great losses, frequently, in budding and grafting
from unfavorable weather, such as prolonged drouths, or excessive
rains ; (2) sacrifice of nuts from bearing trees by the cutting therefrom
Page fifteen
G./A. bacon
eean
roves
of scions or budding wood ; (3) temporary disfigurement of seedling
trees where grafts or buds fail to take ; (4) the great care and atten-
tion necessary by the propagator the first season after the respective
operations; (5) high cost of material and expert labor.
When to Plant. — In the Southern States Pecan trees may be set
out any time after the leaves drop in the fall until generally the end
of March.
Care of Trees Upon Arrival. — Upon arrival of shipment of trees,
bundles or boxes should be opened, a sloping trench dug in a shady
place, and roots and half the tops of trees laid therein at a slope,
covering them very thoroughly with damp well pulverized earth and
lightly watering to settle the earth. Trees may be kept in good
condition several days this way. There must be good drainage, as
Winter in Pecan Grove — Shady in Summer; Sunshine in Winter
it will injure the trees for roots to remain in standing water. At no
time must roots be allowed to dry out, although an excess of moisture
is not necessary. If trees are frozen upon arrival, bury them entirely
in cool, moist earth, or let them thaw slowly in a cool, damp cellar.
If trees have dried out in transit, open the bundle and bury trees
completely for a week or ten days, and they will usually resume a
natural condition. Roots should be covered with wet sacking, wet
hay or other material when taken out to field for planting. Many
trees are lost and nurserymen consequently blamed on account of
failure of the planter to take this precaution. By a process of our own
we protect roots of trees before packing, thus reducing the danger
from exposure and drying out to a minimum, but we advise our
Page sixteen
G./V bacon
eean
rovcj s
customers to use every precaution to protect the roots of these valua-
ble trees.
Note — We shipped one hundred Pecan trees to the Louisiana Pur-
chase Exposition, St. Louis, 1904, which were planted on the Exposi-
tion grounds after a delay of many weeks. The package of trees
arrived in St. Louis frozen in a solid mass, but by gradually thawing
Old Tree, Seedling, Partially Top Same Tree, September, 1907. Fully
Budded. Slow, Difficult and Topworked and Bearing
Expensive. Taken in 1905.
them out, they recovered and were planted. This exhibit of growing
Pecan trees was awarded a medal and diploma, being the only award
made for live Pecan trees.
How to Set Out Pecan Trees. — In setting out a Pecan tree, a hole
24 inches in diameter and 32 inches deep is usually large enough,
although wider holes may be dug with advantage. When setting out
a tree, fill in with top soil. Well-rotted manure may be put in outer
sides of hole while being filled, eight to twelve inches beyond lateral
roots, so as not to come in contact with the roots.
The use of dynamite in preparing the holes for planting out Pecan
trees has been very highly recommended. We advise taking matter
up with the Dupont Company as soon as you can, as some claim it
is best to do the blasting as far ahead of setting out as possible.
Place tree in hole at proper depth ; one man to hold same firmly
Page seventeen
A Prosperous Pecan Grove
in position. Throw in dirt and water alternately. Use plenty of
water to dissolve and settle compactly around the roots every shovel
of dirt, thrown in gently. Continue the process gradually and care-
fully till surface of ground is reached ; then finish off with loose earth.
Remember to use water copiously, no matter how much moisture
there is already in the earth at time of planting. As a matter of
course, the wetter the land is, the more water it will take to produce
the ideal result. However, we appreciate that whereas only a few
trees are to be planted this method should by all means be used, in
very large planting, it may be quite inconvenient, possibly impracti-
cable. Work and firmly press the dirt among the roots, laying each
root in a natural position. No holes or cavities in the soil should be
left and soil should be in close contact with all roots/especially the
tap-root.
The tree should be set at such a depth that after a copious watering
and the permanent settlement of the soil, it will be about one inch to
six inches deeper, according to height, than it stood in the nursery.
It is very important that no part of the crown (collar) be exposed to
the air during the first year’s life of a transplanted tree. As a matter
of prudence, it is better to plant them an inch or more deeper than
they stood in the nursery than to have the crown of root exposed or
become exposed. The crown roots of Pecan trees are of a reddish
brown color, which color may usually be noticed for several inches
above where first roots start, tapering off into the green bark. All
that portion of tree showing any reddish brown tint should be under
ground and never allowed to become exposed. The land should be
plowed deeply either previous to planting or soon afterwards. It is
Page eighteen
''•CORPORA''
G.A.baeon
eean
rove s
better to do this before planting, as trees or roots may be disturbed
by plowing afterwards. If tap-roots are inconveniently long, say over
30 inches, they may be cut off by a sloping cut with a sharp 'knife.
All ragged ended roots should be smoothly cut off.
Note. — The foolish theory about a Pecan tree not bearing if its tap-
root has been cut, has been so universally disproved by ourselves and
others that it is not worth discussion. If the tap-root is cut when the
tree is dug, as is often convenient, the cut quickly heals over, and a
new tap-root is formed, if the tree needs it.
Ordinary care should be taken to see that no pieces of wood or other
debris be contained
in the soil used in
filling up holes when
setting out trees.
Preparation
of Trees. — Our en-
deavor is to send our
trees properly pre-
pared and trimmed,
as if for our own
planting, leaving the
planter nothing to do
but set them out.
We invariably rec-
ommend the proper
trimming or pruning
of the tops of the
taller grades of trees.
It balances the top
against the unavoid-
able loss of some
roots when tree is
dug.
Height of Trees. —
We should mention
that our prices are
made on the heights
of trees when dug.
When properly top-
trimmed, the height
is often reduced
nearly one-half.
Therefore, if the
height of a trimmed
Budding Wood Showing Waste of Nuts. Right Hand tree when received is
Figure Shows Method of Detaching Annular Buds less than catalogue
Page nineteen
G. /VC) a eon
eean
roves
height, this is the explanation. The diameter of the tree where cut
off will usually indicate the original height of tree.
Our most satisfied customers are those who have been guided by
our experience and judgment in such matters. It is needless to say
our customers’ interest and our own are identical.
Fertilizers. — A rotted barnyard, stable or lot manure contains prac-
tically all the plant-food needed by a young Pecan tree. As it is
difficult to get this in very large quantities, as a substitute, both to
cause vigorous growth and early bearing, we advise the use of a high
grade commercial fertilizer. After a tree has bloomed the first time,
and is of sufficient size, with surface to bear a fair crop of nuts, highly
ammoniated or nitrogenous fertilizers, such as stable or lot manure,
cottonseed meal, fish, blood, tankage, etc., should not be solely used,
but potash and phosphoric acid in almost any of their respective forms
should be added to induce bearing, although many trees will bear, no
matter what they are fed on. Nitrogenous fertilizers cause principally
a rapid growth, and while the tree is young it is as well to encourage
as much healthy growth as possible, so that in five years from setting
Views in Nurseries
out it will have a large top. Fertilizers should be broadcast and well
worked into the soil around the tree, commencing at a radius of about
the extremities of the branches after the first year. The application
of fertilizers too near the tree causes a congestion of roots and may
injure them.
Pruning. — The Pecan needs very little, if any pruning, especially
the first season. With young budded and grafted trees, seedling
sprouts (below bud' or graft unions), should, of course, be taken off
as soon as discovered. This can be done any time, winter or summer.
The Pecan will naturally form a strong symmetrical tree if left to
Page twenty
G. /\ . bacon Groves^^
%CO« POBAl{-°
itself. If, however, a tree of a particular form is desired, it may be
pruned and shaped to conform to grower’s wishes. Should a tree not
be making a vigorous growth, a severe pruning in the winter or early
spring will greatly stimulate it.
Enemies. — The Pecan is not entirely free from insect and fungous
enemies, as is sometimes said, but of all the valuable food-producing
trees, it is attacked by fewer insects or fungous diseases than almost
any other. In other words, it is subject to no more enemies than its
close kin, the hickory, which is one of our hardiest forest trees. In
the case of the Pecan, profitable crops can be made with less expense
and with less trouble from insects than any other known food-produc-
ing tree in this country.
Polishing of Nuts. — There is a ready market for properly gathered,
mixed seedling nuts at remunerative prices without polishing or color-
ing. The small, wild, usually thick-shelled nuts of the western Pecan-
producing States are polished to make them saleable, and from custom.
This Exhibit was Awarded Gold Medal at Universal Exposition,
St. Louis, Mo., 1904
Page twenty-one
G./v\.C)aeon
eean
roves
The bulk of the Pecan crop is at present from the large, wild, uncul-
tivated seedling trees in the river bottoms and alluvial lands, but very
extensive plantings of the improved varieties of budded and grafted
trees are being made. These wild nuts are very frequently stained
and dirty by the time they are picked up, and cleaning and polishing
is resorted to. Probably over 50 per cent, of Pecan nut buyers, dealers
and consumers have at present seen no other kind.
In cases where we have sent our correspondents specimens of the
finer varieties unpolished or uncolored, the prediction is made that
such nuts would eventually displace every other nut on the market,
and that for shelling purposes they would be universally used. These
large, thin-shelled nuts are a revelation compared to those of the
common, polished kind.
The delicate natural color and markings on the shell of a high-grade
nut are not objectionable, and appeal strongly to people who have
Page twenty-two
Nursery Scene
G./V bacon
Four-Year-Old Budded Tree “In Bearing”
seen them and cracked them beside the artificial-looking, colored and
polished small, thick-shelled nuts generally seen. There is no neces-
sity now, nor, in our opinion, will there ever be any need for polishing,
staining or coloring the better varieties of Pecans.
Marketing. — We receive a great many inquiries from commission
houses for Pecans in car lots. Pecan nuts do not have to be forced
on the markets. If necessary, they can be held for a considerable
length of time. They may be kept in good condition, in cold storage,
from one season to another.
General Culture. — In Pecan orchards, crops, such as peas, melons,
cantaloupes, potatoes, peanuts, corn, cotton, truck, etc., may be raised.
Page twenty-three
G.f\ . bacon ^^^9ecan Grovc^s^|
,'''Co«PonA‘»t-°
The land should be plowed and harrowed early in the spring, and
again in the fall. Young trees are benefited by being kept free from
grass and weeds, and occasional hoeings and thorough pulverization
of the soil for several feet around the tree during the growing season
are very beneficial. Trees of all sizes, and especially newly set ones,
may be mulched with leaves, straw, dead weeds, etc., to great advan-
tage, conserving soil, moisture, reducing expense in hoeing and afford-
ing a slowly decaying supply of natural plant food. This mulching
should be kept from direct contact with trees.
Gathering of Nuts. — The hulls of all the better grades of Pecans
begin to open when nut has fully matured. The nuts will in time fall
to the ground by their own weight, and are shaken out by the wind.
The gathering of this valuable crop is simple, and may be leisurely
done. It is advisable to gather nuts soon after the hulls have opened,
for if they fall and remain on the ground a long time during rainy
weather, the shells may become dirty and stained. After nuts are
gathered, they should be spread out and dried a week or ten days, as
when first gathered the shells and inner divisions are moist and dis-
agreeably bitter. The drying out makes the shells brighter, more
brittle, and more easily cracked, as well as making the meat much
sweeter. As the season advances and the nuts become more and more
mature this will become less and less necessary.
Rake away from around trees all debris in which nuts might fall
and become hidden, then, with a long bamboo pole lightly tap the
clusters, and the ripe nuts will fall. When the trees become too large
to reach the limbs comfortably from the ground, send a man with
rubber shoes or bare feet, up the tree, and either let him jar the limbs
with his feet or heavy rubber mallet, or take the bamboo pole up the
tree, hook on to the limbs as far out as possible, and shake them.
Rubber shoes, bare feet, or rubber-tipped mallets are advised in order
that the bark of tree may not be bruised or injured, as is often the
case where leather-soled shoes are used.
A Pecan Orchard or An Insurance Policy, Which? — Always com-
pared to life insurance, but more especially in the light of recent
events, as an investment, much is in favor of Pecans. After the land
is paid for a non-forfeitable property and a home place results, annu-
ally enhancing in value, and held by one’s self and heirs forever, by
the mere payment of taxes.
The planting of fine Pecan trees almost immediately quadruples its
land value. The cost is insignificant, contrasted with the permanency
Page twenty-four
G.A.E)acaon
"•CO.P^H0
and daily enhancement in \Talue of the trees. Those who have given
the Pecan the greatest study are to-day the heaviest investors therein.
The “Atlanta Journal” tersely and truthfully expressed itself in the
following language : “The premium on a life insurance policy of
$5,000 invested in a Pecan grove will soon earn 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 invest-
ments. 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.”
Pecan culture may be carried on in conjunction with so many other
things that a person desiring to own their own home, and willing to
work, can by means of truck, berries, poultry and peaches, etc., soon
be making a living.
Trees for Monuments. — Ex-Governor Hogg, of Texas, when con-
sulted on his death-bed as to the kind of monument he wished when
he should die, said: “I want no monument of stone, but let my
children plant at the head of my grave a pecan tree and at the foot
of my grave a walnut tree, and when these trees shall bear, let the
pecans and the walnuts be given out among the plain people of Texas,
so that they may plant them and make Texas a land of trees.”
Commercial. — In horticulture (for profit), as in all other business
matters, the best generally proves to be the cheapest, especially where
permanent results are desired. A Pecan tree lives to an indefinite
age (300 to 700 years), and generation after generation will enjoy the
fruits of what we are now planting, therefore plant the best you can
get and leave a permanent monument of your good judgment.
Inferior Trees Expensive. — In the 44th Annual Report of the Horti-
cultural Society of Missouri (1901), appears an article by Albert
Brownwell, “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 :
“It costs more to produce a good article than a poor one, and in
buying, the first question should be not how cheap, but how g'ood it
is. Many people understand this well enough, and yet how few ever
stop to apply the rule to 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
Page twenty-five
G./A. bacon Groves^^
'^CoOPOOAtfc0
tree ; 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 any one to risk this dead loss of trees, use
of land for years, expense of cultivating, 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 anything 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 warrant the stock, but as they are
unknown or irresponsible, their warranty is 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 extraordinary 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 necessarily 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.”
No San Jose Scale. — Our nurseries are annually inspected by the
Georgia State Entomologist, copy of whose certificate accompanies
every shipment of trees. The Pecan tree is not subject to the attacks
of the San Jose scale, and there is no case on record, of its having ever
injured a Pecan tree.
Illustrations and Descriptions. — Illustrations of nuts will be found
on following pages. The illustrations are made from the actual nuts.
The demand for specimens and nuts in bulk is very large, and nuts are
often engaged long in advance of shipping time. W e will, however,
be glad to send specimen nuts as long as they last.
Visit DeWitt. — We would respectfully suggest that if possible
before buying, you visit our large groves and nurseries, where many
valuable object lessons in, Pecans may be seen.
Page twenty-six
w
G.A.baeon
Van Deman
Russell
Van Deman. (Synonyms: Bourgeois; Duminie Mire; Mere and
Meyer erroneously; Paragon, in part; Southern Beauty.) The
original tree (now seventy or more years old), is a beautiful, thrifty
tree, and bearing large crops of nuts. Size large to very large, averag-
ing forty-five to fifty-five nuts to pound. Flavor delicate, quality
good. The variety is a strong, vigorous grower, with light green
foliage. Productive and profitable. Budded and grafted trees fruiting
at DeWitt.
k Russell. — The parent tree, which stands on a city lot, crowded with
other trees and vegetation, in poor soil, averages about 150 pounds of
nuts a year. Size of nuts medium to large, averaging fifty-five to
sixty-five nuts to pound. Thin shell. Flavor and quality good.
Budded and grafted trees fruiting at DeWitt.
ing from forty-five to sixty nuts per pound. Form oblong-conical to
long obovate, with conical apex. Shell very thin, cracking very easily.
Flavor delicate, sweet and rich, quality very good. The parent is
unduly crowded by other trees in a poor soil. With us this variety
has proved a very vigorous grower and early and prolific bearer.
Budded and grafted trees fruiting at DeWitt.
Pabst. — The variety is sturdy, strong and a vigorous grower. Size
large, averaging forty-five to fifty-five nuts per pound. Flavor and
quality good. Early bearer and productive. Budded and grafted trees
fruiting at DeWitt.
Schley
Pabst
Page twenty-seven
G. /A. bacon
V,
eean
G
roves
Frotscher Teche
Frotscher. (Synonyms : Frotscher’s Egg Shell, Egg Shell in Part,
Oliver, Majestic.) Parent tree about fifty years old. Nuts medium
to large, averaging from forty-five to sixty nuts per pound. A budded
tree set out in Southwest Georgia in 1892 yielded nuts to the wholesale
value of $65.00 in 1905, notwithstanding the loss of a large portion of
top of tree by a gale, and the sacrifice of many nuts by the cutting of
budding and grafting wood therefrom. A strong, handsome grower.
Budded and grafted trees fruiting at DeWitt.
Teche. (Synonyms: “Frotscher No. 2, Egg Shell, Duplicate Frots-
cher, etc.) A rapid grower and early and prolific bearer, nuts medium
to large. This variety has been largely disseminated under the name
of “Frotscher” on account of the wood of the variety being sent out
some years ago, mixed with true Frotscher wood. Fortunately, the
“Teche” is proving itself an early and heavy bearer, and, except in
mere size, has some adantages over the true Frotscher. Budded and
grafted trees fruiting at DeWitr.
Delmas Moneymaker
Delmas. — Strong, vigorous and handsome grower. Early bearer.
Nut large to very large, averaging thirty-five to fifty to pound.
Quality good. Budded and grafted trees fruiting at DeWitt.
V Moneymaker. — This variety is reported to be the best of some seed-
lings planted on lands contiguous to the Mississippi River. Size
medium, averaging fifty to sixty nuts per pound. Flavor and quality
good. A vigorous grower, with pale green foliag*e. The variety is
promising for test in the more northern Pecan districts. Budded and
grafted trees fruiting* at DeWitt.
Page twenty-eight
G.A.baeon
eean
rove s
Stuart Alley
Stuart. (Synonym : Castanera.) Average yield of parent tree at
Pascagoula, Miss., from 1889 to 1892, about one hundred and forty
pounds a year. In 1892 the crop was about three hundred and fifty
pounds, most of which was sold for one dollar per pound. This
variety is a strong, upright grower. Size large to very large, averaging
forty to fifty-five nuts to pound. Flavor and quality good. This was
one of the first varieties to be widely distributed, and in consequence
has been reported as giving satisfactory returns over a wider climatic
range than many other varieties of later introduction. Budded and
grafted trees fruiting at DeWitt.
Alley . — A budded tree of this variety produced thirty pounds of nuts
in its sixth year from setting out. The variety is an early and heavy
bearer, very vigorous grower, and profuse bloomer. Size of nuts,
medium to large, averaging forty to sixty-five per pound. Shell thin
and nuts well filled with bright meat of fine flavor and keeping quali-
ties. Large plantings of this variety are being made, and it should be
included in every order. Budded and grafted trees fruiting at DeWitt.
Success Carmen
Carmen: Origin, Northern Louisiana. While doing well in South
Georgia, it is specially recommended for more northern latitudes.
Success: Origin, Southern Louisiana. This is considered one of
the very best varieties. Good bearer and highly recommended.
Page twenty-nine
G./A. bacon
Gibsland, La., January i, 1916.
“Liked the trees I got from you fine. Will give you another order
soon.” Signed: IRA W. BOBO.
Atlanta, Ga., December 12, 1916.
“You will recall that some three or four years ago I bought from
you for the Oglethorpe Plantation Company, 1,000 pecan trees. These
trees are developing so favorably that I have decided to set as much
as 200 to 250 acres additional during the present season.”
Signed: H. C. BAGLEY.
Reidsville, Ga., December 12, 1916.
“Mr. E. Widencamp asks the writer to place with you his order for
25 grafted or budded pecan trees. Mr. Widencamp and the writer
have bought trees from you before, which have been highly satis-
factory.” Signed : B. H. GROOVER, Cashier,
The Tattnall Bank.
Swainsboro, Ga., December 2, 1916.
“I enclose you order for 12 trees and hope to buy more from you
later. Set out orchard five years ago and they bore a few nuts this
year.” Signed: W. P. GARY.
Clemson College, S. C., December 27, 1916.
“I am in receipt of the pecan trees that you sent me. The quality
of your trees is very pleasing to the farmers of our State and I trust
that you will receive further business from all wanting trees.”
Signed: GEO. P. HOFFMANN,
Extension Horticulturist.
Pluntingdon, Tenn., June 12, 1916.
“Please quote me prices on 100 to 200 pecan trees for fall delivery.
All those I bought from you last year are living and growing nicely.”
Signed: JAMES JOHNSON.
Washington, N. C., January 29, 1917.
“Trees bought from you in 1907 have been bearing since 1914.”
Signed: HENRY N. BLOUNT.
Ava, 111., December 21, 1916.
“Pecan trees arrived in good shape. The oldest tree I bought from
you is now eleven years old. At nine years it had seventy well-filled
nuts. Even this year when we had no native nuts at all, it had some;
therefore I think they have stood the test well.”
Signed: HENRY RIECKENBERG.
Ava, 111., R. D. No. 4, Jackson County.
All of our testimonials are absolutely unsolicited and are on file in
our office subject to inspection.
Page thirty
G. /A. bacon
Order your trees early, so that they may be reserved and you may
not be disappointed later on in the season. We are firmly convinced
that when you once become our customer we will be certain to get
your future orders when in the market for trees.
A Nursery Scene
We invite inquiries relative to your requirements. We solicit your
orders, which will be appreciated and given our very best attention,
whether small or large.
Page thirty-one
G./V bacon
eean
rove s
"Voc
How to Order. — Please use our order blank, carefully filling in
blank spaces and inclosing payment for full amount of order. Write
very plainly, or print : name, post office, county, State, street, house
or R. F. D. number where you get your mail. Be careful not to
confuse Shipping Point with Post Office Address, where they are
different.
Terms: Cash With Order, Unless Otherwise Specially Arranged.
Our Guarantee: ALL SHIPMENTS ARE GUARANTEED TO
REACH YOU IN GOOD CONDITION; MISTAKES, IF MADE,
WILL BE PROMPTLY RECTIFIED. EXAMINE AND COUNT
YOUR TREES ON RECEIPT OF SHIPMENT AND NOTIFY
US AT ONCE SHOULD THERE BE ANY ERRORS OR DAM-
AGED STOCK. THIS GUARANTEE IS NOT GOOD, UNLESS
YOU COMPLY WITH ABOVE REQUIREMENTS. WE DO
NOT GUARANTEE GROWTH OR ASSUME ANY RESPONSI-
BILITY FOR STOCK AFTER DELIVERY TO OUR CUSTOMER
IN GOOD CONDITION.
Notice: While every effort and precaution are used in having
our trees true to name, errors are possible ; and it is understood and
agreed by all parties concerned that we are liable only for the price
paid for the trees.
G. M. BACON PECAN GROVES, INC.,
DeWitt, Georgia.
Page thirty-two
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