ffspring.

Several years ago Mr. Bixby planted a number of butterjap seed nuts,
hoping that under the Mendelian law, the characteristics of the two
parents would segregate themselves. The trunk and bark of some of the
trees resembled black walnut quite distinctly, while none resembled the
butternut. So far as is known to the writer, none of the trees have yet
fruited. One of the several butterjap trees in Galena, Md., previously
referred to, produced nuts rather more like black walnuts than
butternuts. These two instances therefore, would suggest Japanese x
black walnut parentage.

Black Walnut Root Toxicity

On several occasions discussions of root toxicity between the black
walnut and certain of its neighbors have taken place at Association
meetings. The theory that black walnut trees give off toxic properties
from their roots, which are fatal to other plants, is therefore not new.
Some years ago the Virginia Experiment Station definitely isolated a
toxic substance which was held responsible for the death of tomatoes,
potatoes, alfalfa, blackberry plants and apple trees when these other
plants were grown in close enough proximity for their roots to come in
contact with those of the black walnut. This work was reported in
various publications and was written up by several different authors.

Since then, as well as before, the writer has looked for similar
evidence, but, so far, in vain. Each of these crops, including tomatoes,
potatoes, alfalfa, blackberries and apples, have been seen growing in as
close contact with black walnut as they could possibly be placed.
Oftentimes they have been found much nearer to black walnut trees than
would have been wise to place them to oak, hickory, ash or other species
of large growing trees. This does not mean that when the roots are in
actual contact the toxic agent of the black walnut roots would not prove
fatal to the other plants but it does indicate that in the great
majority of cases there is no practical danger.

Anyone who has doubt about the healthy condition of these other species
when grown close together with black walnut trees, may obtain evidence
for himself by noting the frequent combination of this sort easily found
in fields and gardens of the country and small towns. It is surprising
how often these combinations of black walnut and other species are to be
seen. Any unprejudiced person could hardly fail to become convinced
that, in the great majority of cases