82 



Black walnuts begin to bear early. The writer saw in October, 

 1924-, in Williamson County, a grafted tree of the Thomas variety at 

 four years of age, bearing thirty-nine nuts. The species is well known 

 ; s a long lived tree and properly cared for it should increase in pro- 

 rl!iu'tivity annually for many years. 



The Ihitterniit or White Walnut 



This species is found in all parts of the state though not as 

 commonly as the black walnut. It will grow on a variety of soils but 

 succeeds best when planted on a rich, well drained, gravelly loam. 

 It lias been found locally in ravines and along streams where the soil 

 is loose. Compact soils are not favorable for its growth. 



The tree is much smaller in size than tlie black walnut, not as 

 healthy or vigorous and varying greatly in productiveness. The nut 

 has somewhat the same qualities as the black walnut with a rough, 

 thick shell, rather more difficult to crack. Some people like the flavor 

 of the meat better than that of the black. Promising varieties origi- 

 nating in the East such as the Manchester should be tried out under 

 our conditions. The Buckley variety from Iowa is one of the best. 



Japanese Walnuts Including the Heartnut 



The Japanese walnuts have been introduced into various sections 

 of the state, especially through the central and southern counties. The 

 tree is characterized by a rapid gTowth, beauty of form and foliage, 

 and early bearing. It is claimed' to be hardier than the black walnut. 

 The heart nut is highly recommended by Mr. C. A. Reed, Nut Cul- 

 turist for the United States Department of Agriculture, as a promising 

 sort for Illinois. The nuts are medium sized, distinctly heart shaped, 

 with a thin shell and a kernel of good quality. They crack easily with 

 one tap of the hammer and the kernel easily comes away from the 

 shell. The Lancaster is considered one of the best varieties. 



The second type of Japanese walnut, J. sieboldiana, is a smooth 

 shelled sort resembling the butternut in shape. It is superior in 

 some respects to the butternut but has not as yet shown sufficient 

 promise for general planting, although it has been fruited by Mr. 

 Riehl at Alton. 



The Chinese Walnut 



This nut is being grown experimcntnlly in the eastern and northern 



