Dr. Morris: That is an important point and it relates to the matter of cutting back to such an extent that it causes too much shock to the tree. In very large hickories I have cut them hack to short stubs and have had a number of them die. On the other hand where I have cut back so that the largest limbs cut were not more than three inches in diameter those trees would do very well. I have living shag bark grafts now on trees that are from five inches to more than fifteen inches in diameter.
Mr. Littlepage: Do you cut these back in the winter or spring?
Dr. Morris: I do not remember about all. Some, were cut back in both seasons. Winter is probably better. Autumn better yet.
Mr. Littlepage: I cut mine in the spring.
Dr. Morris: That has a lot to do with it if the trees bleed too much.
Mr. Foster: Are your pignuts native?
Mr. Littlepage: I think most of them are worse than that.
Mr. Foster: They are familiarly known in my state as pig nuts.
Prof. Close: You could top-work them.
The President: We will proceed with the next number. We are honored in having with us the President of the National Nut Growers Association who has come to us all the way from the southland to tell us about selection and propagation for the improvement of the pecan. I now have the honor of presenting to you Mr. Theodore Bechtel, President of the National Association.