ments. The frost at that time destroyed the
whole crop in a nearby 30-acre orchard of apples, pears, plums, and
nuts. Although the first growth of Weschcke was totally destroyed along
with the crop, the second growth contained a fair distribution of
pistillate flowers which probably would have produced nuts, had they
been pollinated. The Weschcke produces no pollen, being one of those
curious freaks of nature which aborts its staminate flowers before they
reach maturity.

Other hickory hybrids and shagbarks which have borne satisfactory crops
on my farm, with fair regularity, are the Beaver, Fairbanks,
Bridgewater, Cedar Rapids, Kirtland, Siers and Laney, in the order of
their worth. The remaining varieties that I mentioned have not yet
fruited, although I hope they will do so.

The facts I have given are my reasons for recommending the Weschcke
hickory as a tree suitable for commercial use in the north. I realize,
of course, that farther south, where hardiness is not so essential a
quality, other trees may be just as satisfactory. I might also mention
that the size and cracking qualities of the Weschcke variety are also
commendable. The quality of the kernel, which is practically 50% of the
total weight of the nut, is praised by all who have tasted it.

It is with great regret that I admit that I have no black walnut
varieties which I can recommend for commercial use this far north.
However, I would place Ohio ahead of Thomas, because of its greater
hardiness. The ease of hulling, the size and appearance of Thomas, plus
its productivity, would certainly place it first were it not for the
frequent winter-killing it suffers, to which Ohio, of course, is not
completely invulnerable. Other varieties which have been fairly
satisfactory but which are not as well-known, include Patterson and
Rohwer. The fact remains, however, that not one black walnut I have
tested has produced a regular and satisfactory crop, although they have
been more productive than native butternuts. At present, I would rule
out both species as apparently having no commercial value in the
northern climate where my plantation lies, although they may be
satisfactory for home orchards.

Before leaving the hickories, I do want to mention that I feel there is
a good chance for growing pecans in this climate. I have seedling trees,
now more than 20 years old, which are in bearing but do not mature their
fruit. It is possible that some of these may become