Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
Sift the dry ingredients together. Cream the shortening and the sugar. Add the pumpkin. Add the remainder of the dry ingredients and nuts. Add a little water and mix until smooth.
Drop by tablespoonfuls onto cookie sheets and bake 9 to 12 minutes, until brown. Cool until firm, and remove to a wire rack to cool completely.
