88 Horticultural Department. [Bulletin 120 



At this writing, the walnut plantation of 1872 contains 322 trees, 

 190 of which are of sufficient size to cut posts or poles. The best 

 trees are 35 feet in height, with a diameter at the base of 8| inches, 

 and, at five feet, 6 inches. The trees average slightly more than 

 20 feet in height and 5 inches in diameter at the base ; at five feet, 4 

 inches. 



A planting made in 1875 upon the same kind of soil has given re- 

 sults very similar to the 1872 planting. This planting contains 735 

 trees, 582 of which will cut posts or poles. 



The best trees are 34 feet in height, 7J inches in diameter at the 

 base, 6J inches at five feet. Where well thinned they are growing 

 well, but where standing but four feet each way are dying or making 

 very poor growth. 



On the College campus, in good soil, the Black walnut has made 

 very satisfactory growths. It is at best a slow-growing tree, but is per- 

 fectly hardy, of good appearance, and in every way worthy of plant- 

 ing. The trees have usually begun to bear light crops of nuts when 

 from ten to fifteen years old. 



Numerous observations have been made in regard to the growth of 

 walnut trees. From an article based on these notes, published in the 

 Industrialist, vol. 29, page 234, the following is quoted : 



"The walnut is not a rapid-growing tree, as is shown from measurements of 

 trees taken along the Kansas river bottom, in very rich, sandy soil, in which the 

 roots could easily reach water, and where the trees were well protected from the 

 winds on the south and on the west by the trees growing along the river. The 

 following measurements were taken : 



Age. Diameter at stump. 



50 years 18 inches. 



45 " 21 " 



39 " 16 " 



55 " . 25* " 



Age. Diameter at stamp. 



55 years 22 inches. 



50 " 20 " 



72 " . 22 " 



"A considerable number of smaller trees of the same age showed a much less 

 average annual growth, while some of the younger trees showed a greater growth. 

 The trees taken seem to represent the average growth. These trees grew under 

 the best of uncultivated conditions ; in fact, the conditions were better than they 

 would be under average cultivation, as the soil was very loose and was well 

 protected from the sun, and the water-table was not over twelve feet below the 

 surface of the ground. 



"Measurements of walnuts growing under very good cultivation alongside a 

 corn-field and in a ravine, in very black and rich loam, where one might find the 

 best of soils as well as the best of care, show the following growths: 

 Age. Diameter. 



26 years 13 inches. 



33 " 11 " 



The walnut has been successfully propagated by planting the nuts 

 in the fall, or stratifying through the winter and planting early in the 



