dition causing some premature defoliation has
been observed at infrequent intervals. The condition begins as a leaf
scorch which may or may not develop to the point where the leaf drops.
It is thought to be caused by some mineral deficiency or unbalance
associated with erratic weather conditions, but the exact cause is yet
unknown. A leaf spot disease has been observed but has caused no
appreciable defoliation and no control measures have been thought
necessary.

[Footnote 6: Blue lupine is winter-hardy only in the warmer coastal
areas, not adapted north of Columbus, Georgia, Meridian, Mississippi, or
Shreveport, Louisiana. Ed.]

+Harvesting and Nut Storage+

Harvesting of Chinese chestnuts has proved to have definite requirements
if the nuts are to be obtained in the best possible condition. The nuts
are quite susceptible to rots of several kinds and must be properly
handled to keep losses at a minimum. They are also very easily and
quickly injured by exposure to the sun, with the consequent, high
temperatures and drying. If the nuts are to be stored for any length of
time, as is necessary when they are to be used for seed purposes and as
will be necessary when they are to be marketed for eating purposes
during the Thanksgiving and Christmas holiday seasons, it is paramount
that they be picked up from the orchard at not more than two-day
intervals. Cleaning up all dropped nuts at daily intervals is most
desirable.

At the end of each day the harvested nuts must be placed in cold storage
at temperatures between 32 deg.F. and 45 deg.F. It has been found that a nearly
air-tight container is required in order to maintain a relative humidity
of 100% and prevent too much drying of the nuts. A 50-pound tin lard can
with one 20d nail hole in the side near the lid has proven to be a good
container for large quantities and these same cans also make good
shipping containers merely by wiring on the lids. One-gallon friction
top syrup cans with a single nail hole in the side make a good container
for smaller quantities. In air-tight containers the nuts do not decay
but germination capacity is quickly destroyed and bitter flavors develop
quite rapidly. Nuts to be used for eating purposes shortly after harvest
may be stored at lower relative humidities but should be placed in cold
storage. A loss of about 15% in weight from the fresh weight of nuts is
necessary to reach proper eating quality. Nuts dried to this extent are
swee