e future welfare of the trees. Few realize that time
spent in careful, intelligent preparation of the soil and in setting the
trees is time well spent, and well paid for in the after development of
trunk and branch. Better a month spent in preparing the future home of
the young tree, than years of its life spent in an unequal struggle for
existence. More than that, the tree may die outright, and a year must
elapse before it can be replaced. It is generally stated that the pecan
is a slow grower, and yet I have seen trees from twelve to fourteen
years old which measured from thirty-five to fifty-seven inches in
circumference at the base, while under less favorable circumstances
others stood still for a period of six or seven years, or until they had
accumulated sufficient energy to overcome the untoward conditions of
their environments.

_Time._ The best time to plant pecan trees is during the months
of December, January and February. Planting should not be
delayed until late in spring, as the percentage of loss will be
very materially increased. Preference must be given to the
earlier portion of the planting season, as the wounds on the
roots will have had time to callous over, and the ground will
be firmly packed about the roots by the winter rains. Then,
with the opening of the growing season in spring, the trees
will be ready to make a good, vigorous start.

_Distance Apart._ The distance apart at which the pecan trees
should be set must depend upon the character of the soil and
the amount of fertility and moisture it contains. If planted
too close, the trees may become their own worst enemies. Too
close planting will not prove satisfactory. It is doubtful
whether the trees should ever be planted closer than forty feet
apart even on light lands, while on heavier soils this distance
should be increased to sixty, seventy-five or eighty feet.

TABLE OF DISTANCES

DISTANCE. NO. OF TREES NO. OF TREES
Rectangular System. Hexagonal System.
40 x 40 feet. 27 31
40 x 50 " 21
40 x 60 " 18
50 x 50 " 17 19
50 x 60 " 14
60 x 60 " 12 13
60 x 70 " 10
70 x 70 "