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of such varieties. Man}- nurseries show pliotographs of sujjerior nut 

 varieties in their catalogues but list for sale practically notI)ing but 

 seedlings. This is unfortunate in that it is disappointing and ex- 

 pensive for the purchaser to buy trees and care for them with the mis- 

 taken idea that he is getting good varieties. 



Nut varieties worthy of general propagation and distribution must 

 have certain valuable qualities. First of all the parent tree should 

 be healthy and vigorous with no inherent fault as to its growth habit. 

 The ideal tree is a regular bearer and at least moderately productive. 

 The nuts should ripen early and be of good size, with a fair propor- 

 tion of meat to the amount of shell. The shell should be fairly thin 

 and easy to crack. They should be quite resistant to the attack of 

 insects and diseases. Some chestnut hybrids in southern Illinois, for 

 example, are more resistant to the chestnut weevil than others growing 

 close beside them. The nut meats should be plump, of good color, 

 rich flavor and high quality. 



Nut trees are more difficult to propagate than some other fruit 

 trees, and their first cost therefore appears somewhat high. They 

 should be planted at considerable distances apart, however. For ex- 

 ample, chestnut trees are planted forty feet apart and black walnuts 

 at leist double that diistance. The initial expense involved will then 

 be less than in planting an area to other fruit trees. Some growers 

 believe that other fruit trees may be used as fillers for a few years 

 or until tlie nut trees begin to bear. This lielps to pay running ex- 

 penses during that period. 



It has been said that the low market prices paid for our native 

 nuts as collected in the woods and for sale in limited quantities in the 

 fall at the corner grocery does not promise well for their commercial 

 possibilities. These native walnuts, hickories, pecans and hazels are 

 from seedling trees and for the most part poor in craeking and eating 

 quality and comparatively small in size. There is an enlarging market 

 at good prices for the named varieties of nuts. 



Description and General Distrihution uf Xitt Trees in Illinois 



The Black JValnut 



The chief native nut tree of Illinois and the one to be most recom- 

 mended for g'cneral planting is the black walnut. It is found growing 



