I am aware that we might not get as good nuts from these plantings as the parents were, but it is also possible to get a real good tree which would be hardy enough for our climatic conditions. Should we succeed in this endeavor it would be a desirable acquisition and a great improvement on our native black walnut.
Improvement of Native Trees
Attempts were made to improve ordinary black walnut trees by grafting. Scions of the Persian walnut and the Japanese walnut were obtained and grafted onto some of the seedling black walnuts planted by myself years ago. I regret to state that in this phase of the work I was greatly disappointed. Not one scion grew but the stock trees grew amazingly after being cut back and would have been fine for budding this summer if I had been able to get the buds at the proper time.
Educational Work
An attempt has been made to bring before all our students at the O. A. C. the advantages of paying more attention to nut culture. These lectures have always been well received and almost invariably have aroused special interest in the minds of those who are horticulturally inclined.
Addresses on nut culture have been given to Kiwanis Clubs and Horticultural Societies and articles have been written for the agricultural and horticultural press.
A small bulletin is being written and it is hoped that it will be available for distribution in a short time.
Plans for the Future
The activities outlined above will be continued on a larger scale and in a more thorough manner, provided I can get the necessary funds to carry on the work. The search for superior trees and bushes will be continued and nuts from good trees in China and Japan will be introduced in much greater quantities for test purposes. The conversion of poor or ordinary native nut trees into superior trees by grafting will receive special attention.
In this way, ladies and gentlemen, I hope to attain the ideal of all true horticulturists, e. g., "To make our country more beautiful and fruitful and thereby help to serve the æsthetic and physical needs of our people."