101 



men in tlif dt-partnient arc tr/iimd in .scii-ntific niclhod^^ .'ind liave a 

 somewhat critical attitude when it comes to statements regarding 

 marked success in any line. The tendency is in each case to try to find 

 tlic data or the experience upon which statements are based. Un- 

 fortunately, in nut growing there are very little data upon which state- 

 ments can be based. Mr. Bixby's experiments with stocks are a very- 

 good start in the right direction, and it is upon such experiments as he 

 is carrying out that real knowledge regarding nut growing will be 

 gained. 



We have heard enthusiastic statements as to the profits which may 

 be derived from the planting of nuts in the northern states, but I must 

 confess that I have looked in vain both for the facts upon which 

 sncli statements might be based and also for orchards which actually 

 arc ])rofitable. If such exist in New York state I liavc not been 

 able to find them even after considerable travel. 



In order to be profitable, an orchard must pay all the expenses 

 iinohtd. including interest on the initial cost of land; the cost of 

 labor and materials and depreciation on tools, etc. We have cost 

 accounts covering these items on many crops such as apples and wheat^ 

 but not on nuts. It seems to me we must recognize that nut culture 

 is in its experimental stage ordy. This is in fact one thing that 

 makes it particularly attractive for the amateur. 



Another reason for our conservatism is that we feel it our duty to 

 the growers to f'ive out statements which are based upon facts only. 

 If a man in a iiortlicrn state wants to plant ten acres of nuts what 

 sliall wc tell him.' Shall we tell him to go ahead and assure him that 

 if he takes care of his*trees a profitable plantation is certain. On the 

 basis of what we know I think surely not. A hundred and one 

 unanswered questions com*- up. ^^'llat kinds of nuts will succeed 

 under his climatic and soil conditions.' What stocks should be used? 

 \\'hat v.arieties will succeed under his conditions? Will the meats of 

 the nuts fill out in the average season? Are the seasons long enough^ 

 etc. The fact is in most cases we do not know. In most parts of Xew 

 York state we are extending a natural range of many of the nut 

 trees ;;nd they have not been grown long enough under the new 

 conditions to make it jiossible to answer these questions with cer- 

 tainty. On the other hand, we can tell the prospective nut grower 

 that nut growing is in its experimental stages and under certain 

 conditions has great commercial promise. On the basis of our present 



