»2 



those which are thin-shelled, and those of fine flavor; as a food 

 product I think the shellbark is second only to the pecan. And I 

 should hail the day with great interest when there are good, recognized 

 varieties of hickories corresponding with the best varieties of pecans. 

 I believe they will be found and developed. 



I have told you something of what we are doing and of what we 

 hope may result. I hope that you will all visit the offices of the De- 

 partment carrying on this work, and that you will get acquainted with 

 the men handling- the v.irious projects, and tell them what your 

 troubles are, that they may know how to proceed, and that thev may 

 discuss with you the best ways of attacking and handling the problems 

 with wliich you are confronted. 



Prof. Lumsden of the Federal Horticultural Board spoke of the 

 chestnut bark disease and the fact that our experts advise us that 

 within the period of twenty-five years the destruction of the native 

 American chestnut will liave been accomplished. The tanners and 

 related interests of the country are now scouting around to find some 

 species of tree to use as a substitute for tanning operations. Castanea 

 mollissima is capable of developing into a good sized tree. P'rom 

 an economic standpoint the texture of its lumber is good, while the 

 quality of its fruit is fair, and as an ornamental tree it has a future. 

 It has resistance to the chestnut bark disease. It may become a sub- 

 stitute for C. dentata. Several crosses have been made between C. 

 dentatn ;ind C. mollissima and some of them show considerable merit. 

 Selection of these hybrids will have to be made for two purposes, 

 namely wood production and fruit production. 



Corylus colurna, the Constantinople filbert, is destined to become 

 popular as an ornamental. On the Pacific Coast a bacterial blight 

 occurs in some sections on corylus. A great work can be done in this 

 country by the Northern Nut Growers Association by publishing 

 bulletins advocating plantings of nut bearing trees for a three-fold 

 purpose, timber, food, and beauty. 



Communications were read from Miss Frances I.. Stearns, In- 

 structor in Botany of the Grand Rapids (]Mich.) Junior Colony, asking- 

 information aibout planting nut trees, and from Mr. J. A. Young, 

 Secretary of the Tree Lovers Association of America, asking the 

 association to adopt their slog\in and to co-operate with it in urging 

 the more intelligent planting of trees, shrubs and flowers. 



