C. A. Reed, Washington, D. C.
There is evidence on all sides that the people of Michigan are deeply interested in nut culture. Some have invested in pecan lands in the Far South; no doubt some own Persian (English) walnut, almond or filbert orchards on the Pacific Coast; and others are at the point of planting nut trees in Michigan. Everybody would go nutting in fall if he could. Michigan leads all other northern states in what its institutions and some of its people have done toward developing the nut industry.
Some thirty years ago the Lake Shore and Michigan Southern Railroad Company showed its interest in nut production, when it planted many miles of chestnut trees along its tracks running north from Adrian. Between 1888 and 1892 there were planted on the grounds of the sub-experiment station at South Haven, a number of pecan trees of Iowa and Missouri seed, Japanese walnuts, a number of filbert plants and a collection of almond varieties. At about the same time, Prof L. H. Bailey set out half dozen pecans and Japanese walnut trees on the campus of the Michigan Agricultural College. Later, Professor L. R. Taft added several seedling Persian (English) walnut trees to the group.
In traveling over the southern part of Michigan, one cannot go far without seeing signs of interest in nut trees. Everywhere the black walnut has been spared or planted. In certain sections it is to be found about practically every farm house or at least near enough by to furnish the winter supply of the family nuts. The chestnut is less common in any part of the state than is the black walnut, not appearing to any considerable extent except in the lower southeastern corner. It has not fared well in the state either as a native or planted tree. The Persian or so-called English walnut has attracted considerable attention from time to time, and under especially favorable surroundings one occasionally finds thrifty specimen trees. The pecan, the Japanese walnut, European hazel or more popularly called the "filbert" have all been given limited trials at various times. Even the almond has had a day in Michigan. Quite possibly the pistache has been through the same experience; but if so, the fact is not generally known. That species is from arid Asia and wholly unlikely to succeed in the latitude of Michigan although a young tree of a Chinese species ornamental because of its fine feathery foliage, green in summer but which takes on a brilliant hue in fall is, or was the last we know, doing well on the private grounds of Dr. Robert T. Morris, near Stamford, Conn.
Among the kinds of nut trees from which we can select varieties for planting in Michigan, there are eleven or more distinct species. With such a range as this, one might ask, why not go into nut growing in Michigan on the same scale as in the growing of apples and peaches. There are probably better reasons why this is not being done, but two very good ones are that there are not enough available trees of good varieties to plant more than a single orchard of respectable size in the state; and the other; it would not pay to put good Michigan land to nut trees of such varieties as are now available even though they could be had.
If nut trees can't be had and wouldn't pay if they could then why publish an article on "Nuts for Michigan Planting," is probably what will run through the minds of most readers of these lines. It is certainly a logical question, but there are at least ten reasons why nut trees should be planted in Michigan.
1. The forests of Michigan have reached the point of depletion such that for the sake of future generations, trees of some kind other than fruit must be planted.
2. While planting, we may as well select those capable of performing more than a single service; in other words, trees of maximum possible use. Oaks, poplars, ashes, pines, elms, etc., all have their places, but not one in the group can produce anything of food value to humankind.
3. Nut trees of most kinds, rightly used, are valuable for timber purposes and are very effective in the landscape.
4. Members of the walnut family including the hickories are especially appropriate along the highways and city streets. They are sturdy, long-lived and not easily damaged by storms or neighbor's boys.