In the wheel tracks of Carl Linneus 1
Linnaeus had no time to make the journey to Skåne until spring 1749. One of the expedition’s missions was to find out the best location to grow Walnut and Swedish White beam. These woods were used to make the butts to the rifles for the military. Linnaeus had made his earlier journeys on horseback but this journey he made in a carriage, as he did not consider himself strong enough for such a long ride. Link to map.
As Carl Linnaeus and his assistant crossed the bridge over Getabäck to Skåne at Loshult.”Travellers called the ridges that separate Småland from Skåne “the back of goats.”
Linnaeus noted on the way south that sticks of birch to cultivate Hops created hedges and Hops grew well. Local seeds should be used instead of imported from France.
With all that apple orchards Linnaeus thought the farmers should learn to produce äppelmust (apple must) and cider,“almost as tasty as wine.”
Hops cultivation was centered in the Vånga district and the only preserved oast house in Sweden was erected in 1926 and is located in Näsum. This area also became a center for fruit growing early. Seeing the fruit trees blossom in May is quite an experience.
To be continued.. Tomorrow Linnaeus reaches Kristianstad and Åhus!
Follow the Linnaeus trail: link to Travel Tours