Farmers in the seven Tennessee Valley states established 3,286 test plantings of Thomas black walnut in cooperation with state extension services and TVA during the period 1939-1946. A questionnaire survey in 1946 showed 81 per cent of the plantings still active and 64 percent of the trees living. Tree growth averaged 1.6 feet per year. Age at first bearing varied from 2 to 8 years, with 5 years most frequently reported. [Illustration: Figure 1. The Thomas variety appears well adapted to Tennessee conditions. This 7-year-old tree began bearing annual crops 3 years after planting. In 1946 it was 18 feet tall and heavily laden with nuts yielding 2-1/2 pounds of cracked-out kernels. (Hancock County, Tenn.)] [Illustration: Figure 2. Black walnut makes an ideal combination nut and ornamental tree. This 8-year-old Thomas has been producing nut crops for 3 years. In addition, it has enhanced the beauty of the lawn and provided welcome shade. (Anderson County, Tenn.)] Table 1.--Number of Questionnaires Sent and Returned, Reported Tree Survival and Cause of Tree Mortality by State. Questionnaires Trees Reported State Sent Returned Planted Living no. pct. no. pct. Alabama 161 44 274 45 Georgia 50 28 26 62 Kentucky 174 49 241 54 Mississippi 19 58 72 26 North Carolina 586 40 733 71 Tennessee, East 1,386 40 1,516 66 Tennessee, West 720 44 809 61 Virginia 180 48 160 84 All 3,276 42 3,831 64 [Illustration: Figure 3. Thomas tree planted in the farm orchard. This young tree has received excellent care and began bearing at 5 years of age. (Hancock County, Tenn.)] Reported cause of tree mortality Pre-estab Livestock, Insects, Total Planted -lishment destruction Drought diseases Unknown Trees Lost pct. pct. pct. pct. pct. no. Ala. 11 7 51 2 29 150 Ga. 30 10 0 20 40 10 Ky. 2 2 46 4 46 112 Miss. 19 4 49 0 28 53 N. C. 15 16 12 13 44 223 Tenn. (E.) 7 18 20 7 48 515 Tenn. (W.) 8 9 38 7 38 318 Va. 32 12 12 4 40 25 All 9 13 29 7 42 1,406