In message
David Hill wrote:


I do so wish that Michael will not be encouraged too much in his
search for
alders that will feed the planet "if I can find one with big seeds"

I have found alder seeds which are close to the size of rice grains. I
am now looking for bigger. It will be a starch belly-filler like
wheat, potatoes or rice.

Or maybe I am totally wrong and that's the way to go.

This country has been unable to feed itself since the repeal of the
Corn Laws in 1846. 40% of this country's land is "upland", unable to
grow cereals.

People help me because they have the knowledge and want to give it to
somebody who needs it. What possible harm do you think I might do? If
it doesn't work out (and it is a difficult project) then there is no
outcome, but if it does work out, what harm?

"Treason never does prosper, why what's the reason.
If treason does prosper, none dare call it treason."



Nobody backs a lost cause.

Michael Bell

You say seed the size of rice grains, but not the same weight I'm sure.

Why on earth not? They are made of the same kind of stuff as wheat,
rice..etc. They must have roughly the same specific gravity.

BUT
The question I have is
How do you expect the seed to be picked/gathered.
It's fiddly work collecting a quantity of Hazel nuts and they are much
heavier than alder seed.

The cones are to be picked by an upward-moving mechanised rake,
motored along the rows. A garden rake is quite effective. The cones
differ widely in ease of pulling off, obviously I select for easier.
Good branch layout is also important, there is wide natural variation,
I am selecting for about 45° upslope, though this might not be
critical. The cones will then be threshed. The empty cones will be
very suitable as fuel. All crops produce by-products, think of wheat
and straw.

I worked out that this was possible before starting this project.

Michael Bell


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