17 



slioiild have been bolder in assuring people of success to be attained 

 in nut tree planting. 



As for me I do not think that we have been too cautious. We 

 who are so accused can point to the disastrous results of following the 

 advice of commercially interested persons, results which have had 

 much to do with retarding and discouraging nut planting and counter- 

 acting the labors of our association. 



But now, however, I believe that we have reached a state of knowl- 

 edge where we can confidently recommend the commercial ])]anting 

 of nut orchards. We recommend the Indiana pecan in many states; 

 the improved black walnuts over a much wider area, and the chestnut 

 in many localities where it is not a native tree. The top-working of 

 native hickories and black walnuts also can be confidently recom- 

 mended. In every case, however, the adaptability of the kind of nut 

 to the locality should be passed upon by an exjjert. In every case, also, 

 even in that of top-working native hickories and walnuts, intelligent 

 and generous care is essential for any degree of commercial success. 



It is probable also, that the })lanting of the European filbert can be 

 recommended under conditions of intelligent care. 



Now what of the association's future.'' The fieldl is boundless but 

 the working cash is wanting. Faith is unlimited but works are condi- 

 tioned by want of "appeal to commercial powers. It is lalmost a vicious 

 circle, no commercial ;i})peal no money, no money no develo])nient to 

 appeal to commerce. But we do make progress and it is accelerated 

 progress. In time we nuist necessarily arrive at our goal. Our lines 

 of advance are sketched out and our ])rogress along these lines depends 

 on the energy of the workers and the means with which they have to 

 work. 



I shall ask the association to establish a rule as to when members 

 are in good standing and when they should be dropped from the rolls 

 for non-payment of dues. 



I shall also ask for a clear understanding, in the form of an amend- 

 ment to the by-laws, on the question of annual dues and their combin- 

 ation with the American Nut Journal. 



It is desirable that we have a ruling as to a fiscal year. 



The delay in the issuance of the annual report was due to my un- 

 willingness to contract debts for the payment of which funds were 

 not in sight. 



The treasurer's report will show that we have a sur^ilus in the 



