ng of 1938, hence the tree is now 15
years of age. Probably this seed was secured by Rev. Crath during his
last trip when, presumably, he made some of his most careful selections.

Altogether, Mr. McKinster planted eleven Crath nuts in the back yard of
his small city lot, nine of which germinated. All but two of the
resulting seedlings were distributed to friends and relatives living in
the countryside. Many of these trees have disappeared due to accidents
and lack of care; a few, however, have produced nuts which apparently
are not exceptional. One such nut examined was of medium size with a
fairly thick shell; the kernel was of good flavor but somewhat bitter.
Of the two trees retained by Mr. McKinster, both were permitted to grow
where the seed was planted, however one died of an unknown cause when
five years of age. Nuts produced by this tree were inferior to those
produced by the survivor which later became known as the McKinster
variety.

[Illustration]

[Illustration]

The McKinster tree may be viewed in the accompanying illustrations which
show it without foliage and with foliage. The pictures were taken in
March and August, respectively, 1953. Since it is a very beautiful and
relatively clean tree, the McKinster would be desirable in any yard.
From the pictures, it will be noted that the site is unfortunate being
restricted by two garages, an alley, and with numerous overhead utility
wires. Some effort was made two years ago to keep the tree out of the
wires by cutting back top growth. The trimming stimulated the usual
vigorous, annual growth to produce terminals as great as 10 feet in one
year. Ordinarily, annual growths of 6 feet of husky wood are not
unusual. New wood and buds are hardy in appearance and assume a rich
brown color upon maturing. With such growth, cutting 1000 feet of scion
wood annually would be no problem. The tree is now about 35 feet in
height with a like spread.

The bearing record of the McKinster Persian has been excellent. Its
first crop of five or six nuts was borne at five years of age and large
crops have been consistently set each year since with but one exception.
Crop records have been impossible to maintain since the tree is located
in a section of the city where squirrels abound. Any nuts saved must be
protected by screen-wire cages. The hunger of the squirrels for the nuts
is amazing. For example, in 1951, they descended upon the tree during
the first week of July and de