NUT TREES FOR ROADSIDE PLANTING 103 



WALNUT 





to age. At the age of 51 years, it had a breast-high 

 circumference of 10 feet 11 inches. As showing the 

 utility value of the species, it may be mentioned that this 

 tree not infrequently produces several bushels of nuts in 

 one season. 



The length of time required to bring a Black Walnut 

 into production is variable. In a Pennsylvania nursery a 

 tree has been photographed 

 which was grafted when 

 three years of age and which, 

 in its fourth year, produced 

 7 nuts. This early fruitful- 

 ness is not wholly desirable, 

 as it is better for a tree to 

 grow for 6 or 7 years before 

 it is allowed to bear. Never- 

 theless, this instance is im- 

 portant in showing that the 

 time of production is largely in the hands of the grower. 

 Some specimens run for 1 5 or 20 years before producing, but 

 this time may be reduced by grafting. Different varieties 

 may vary also in the matter of leafing-out in the spring and 

 shedding leaves in the autumn, and in resistance or suscep- 

 tibility to the attacks of insect pests and fungus diseases. To 

 realize best results, these differences must be taken into 

 consideration when seed or young trees are being se- 

 lected for planting. A good rule to follow is to be sure 

 that the seed came from a tree which had as nearly as 

 possible the qualities wanted, and latitude and soil condi- 

 tions as nearly similar as possible to those of the new 

 planting. 



In California, the highway authorities are planting 

 many miles of roadway with Black Walnut trees. Stretches 

 of roads lined with magnificent trees of this species may 



