30 ANNUAL REPORT. - 
Juglans Nigra—Black Walnut. 
All rea considered, I am strongly inclined to the belief that the Black 
nut is the most valuable forest tree that can be grown in Minnesota. Its gro 
is very rapid, and when fully developed is one of the largest of our - forest trees. 
It prefers a rich, moist soil, but will flourish and make a very satisfactory growth 
on any number one prairie not too far north. The Minnesota Valley seems to be 
the northern limits for this tree in that portion of Minnesota west of the Missis- 
sippi river. I have never seen any Black Walnut to amount to any thing north 
of the valley of the Minnesota river. They are a tender tree when young, and 
we occasionally get a winter in which they require considerable protection. As 
a shade and ornamental tree it sometimes rivals the White Elm. When planted 
as a shade tree give it plenty of room, that its natural habit of throwing out a 
low broad top may be encouraged. Bryant tells of a Black Walnut tree at three 
feet from the ground twenty-five feet in circumference. ‘‘ At the height of 
twelve or fifteen feet the trunk divides into several branches, each of which by 
itself would constitute a large tree; the whole forming an immense canopy, over- 
shadowing an area one hundred and fifty feet in diameter.” 
Juglans Cinerea—Butternut. 
When grown in open ground throws out a low spreading top; is a hardy, 
rapid grower, and in all respects a desirable shade and ornamental tree. This 
tree and its first cousin, the Black Walnut, ought to be considered in the double 
character of not only forest but fruit trees. A Black Walnut orchard, or a But- 
ternut orchard, propagated from the seed planted on the right kind of soil, 
would soon throw in the shade any apple orchard in Minnesota; would come 
into bearing as quick, would grow faster, stand more grief, and bring more 
bushels of either fruit or dollars, in the long run. I suggest, as a practical 
measure, the offering of liberal premiums to encourage the planting of Black 
Walnut and Butternut orchards. 
Tilia Americana—Linn, Linden, Basswood. 
This is another very desirable shade tree. Rapid grower, hardy, long lived. 
Will grow and develop well on any good farming land, but prefers a rich, moist, 
cool soil. Furnishes good shade and shelter for man and beast, and also bounti- 
ful crops of flowers, from which the ‘“‘ little busy bee’’ manufactures a most excel- 
lent article of honey. Basswood suitable for transplanting is not easily found in 
large numbers in our native forests, and the main source of supply for shade 
trees must be from propagation in forest tree nurseries. 
Fraxinus Americana—W hite Ash. 
One of our most valuable forest trees. Very hardy. Rapid grower, and when 
planted wide apart throws out a beautiful wide spreading top. Most of the 
prairie soil of Minnesota is well adapted to the growth of the White Ash. 
This tree will do its best in a cool, deep, moist soil. It don’t amount to much 
on a warm, dry, sandy soil; is not afraid of cold weather; deserves a higher 
rank in public estimation. For general planting on our northwestern prairies, 
no forest tree merits more general cultivation and attention. It is easily propa- 
gated from seed, and can be furnished by millions; cheap as corn fodder. 
