The Nut Culturist: A Treatise on Propogation, Planting, and Cultivation of Nut Bearing Trees and Shrubs Adapted to the Climate of the United States

"The Nut Culturist" by Andrew S. Fuller is a treatise on the propagation, planting, and cultivation of nut-bearing trees and shrubs, written in the late 19th century. The work aims to educate farmers and horticulturists about the economic benefits and practicalities of growing nuts in the United States, emphasizing the potential of this underutilized food source. Fuller's insights are driven by a belief in the importance of adapting agricultural practices to meet future food demands and enhance the country's economic wealth. At the start of the treatise, Fuller outlines the necessity for increasing food production as the human population grows, suggesting that tree nuts represent a largely untapped resource. He criticizes the current trend of planting ornamental trees along roadsides, which yield no economic returns, and advocates for substituting them with nut trees that can provide both shade and sustenance. The introduction highlights his desire to encourage farmers to consider nut cultivation as a worthwhile endeavor that could enrich their lives and create a lasting industry, while also addressing practical planting strategies and the historical context of nut cultivation within the United States.