Northern Nut Growers Association Report of the Proceedings at the Twelfth Annual Meeting | Page 9

already have been done.
Let us take up the smaller part of the question first. Nut trees which are
indigenous to any locality, or allied species from other countries
having similar soil and climatic conditions, will grow and thrive on
public grounds quite as well as upon private property. They will be as
beautiful and as useful upon public grounds as they are upon private
property, speaking in a large way, although disposal of their products
will go along different channels perhaps. Nut trees of various species
will be quite as beautiful and distinctly more useful than any of the
other trees that are commonly selected for planting upon public
grounds. Because of the inclusion of the economic factor the question
as to whether nut trees may well supplant the kinds of trees commonly
selected is not a debatable question.
Let us leave this part of the subject however and take up question
number two, relating to the human nature side. A little examination
into this phase of the matter will disclose reasons why nut trees are not
already along our highways and in parks and other public grounds.
The supplying of trees on a large scale for such a purpose is commonly
done by contract with nurserymen. Nurserymen find it more profitable
to raise certain kinds of trees instead of other kinds. Nurserymen are
prone to raise kinds which are most profitable. Public officials who are
making contracts sometimes look for perquisites. These include
acceptance from nurserymen of bonuses for letting the contract. Here
then we have at the very outset of the problem two large obstacles to
the purchase of nut trees for public places. The carrying forward of any
large project of this sort means reliance upon someone with legislative
resources. In my experience legislators are commonly keen to approve
of any project which will render public service when they are fully
convinced of that fact. If not fully convinced of that fact and reserving
the feeling that private interests are being served they wait until
somebody who knows how to see the legislator has seen him. Another
phase of the question relates to the attitude of the people toward public
property in a so-called free country. People are prone to take anything
that they please from anything which is so impersonal as a country. Nut

trees planted in public places would have their crops carried off by
every passer by to such an extent that revenue for the upkeep of the
trees would be difficult to obtain. In some of the European countries
this obstacle has not been insurmountable. There are many villages in
Europe in which privately owned fields are not even fenced and fruit
and nut trees growing for the benefit of the village are left untouched
by the passer by in this older civilization. A man would no more think
of taking what belonged to the town than he would think of taking
property from the storehouse of a neighbor. In this country we have not
yet arrived at that point in civilization. The distinction between
meumand tuum in a free country is sometimes blurred.
What are we to do about this whole question? That is the practical
point. Change human nature and educate the public. In towns
belonging to our system of government there is some question if the
public would ever allow nut trees to bring revenue sufficient for their
upkeep and to yield a profit for the town. On the other hand, by means
of education the public may come to desire the planting of nut trees
along the highways and in other public places to the extent that it will
submit to taxation for the purpose. The public planting of nut trees
belongs to progress. If we are to remain boastful of progress in this
country the question will gradually be developed in a practical way.
THE PRESIDENT: You have heard the reading of Dr. Morris's paper.
Are there any remarks thereon or any discussion?
MR. A. C. POMEROY: Some years ago there was objection raised at
Los Angeles to the use of sewage water for irrigating purposes in
raising tomatoes and other vegetables. The city then bought the
property and set out orchards of English walnuts. I understand that
they are growing and that the revenue goes to the city of Los Angeles.
As to the road-side planting of nut trees in Europe, to which Dr. Morris
refers, the very first battle fought in the great world war when the
Belgians were resisting the Germans was along where there were thirty
miles of English walnut trees on both sides of a highway. I understood
that every tree was demolished. I think our secretary or treasurer could
find out about the Los Angeles park and the nut trees.

As to monument