OCTOBER 1 TO DECEMBER 31, 1917. 57 



45560 to 45564— Continued. 



An early variety from the Antigua region, of ratlier large size, desir- 

 able form, and excellent quality. Although a roiuul avocado, the seed 

 is not large in proportion to the size of the fruit, but on tlie contrary 

 is rather small. On the whole this seems a very promising variety. 



" Tlie parent tree is growing in a small coffee plantation belonging 

 to Ignacio Gonzales, situated on the road to San Lorenzo del Cnbo. 

 The altitude is approximately 5,300 feet. The tree is about 35 feet 

 high, with a trunk 30 inches thick at the base, dividing 2 feet above 

 the ground to form two main limbs each 1 foot in diameter. These 

 give off their first branches about 12 feet from the ground. The bud 

 wood is excellent, the branchlets being stout and well formed, with 

 vigorous buds conveniently placed. 



" The tree did not produce a heavy crop from the 1916-17 blooms, but 

 is said to have borne heavily in past seasons. It flowers in De- 

 cember and January and commences to mature its fruits the first of 

 the following December. They are not at their best until January. 



" The climate of this location is not sufficiently cold to test the 

 hardiness of the variety ; hence, it must be assumed, pending a trial in 

 the United States, that it is of about average hardiness for the Guate- 

 malan race. 



" In form the fruit resembles the Trapp, of Florida, being round 

 to oblate. It also resembles the Trapp in size and color, but the 

 surface is somewhat rough and the skin thick and hard. The flesh 

 is cream yellow, free from discoloration, and of a rich and pleasant 

 flavor. The seed is small and tight in the cavity. 



" The variety may be formally described as follows : 



" Form nearly spherical, varying to slightly oblate and more rarely 

 to broadly obovoid ; size above medium to very, large, weight 16 to 

 20 ounces, length 3^ to 44 inches, greatest breadth 3i to 4 inches ; 

 base rounded, the stem inserted very slightly to one side and almost 

 without depression ; apex flattened ; surface pebbled, bright green in 

 color with a few large yellowish dots ; skin moderately thick, nearly 

 one-eighth of an inch, coarsely granular, woody, and brittle; flesh 

 cream color, greenish close to the skin, free from fiber or discoloration, 

 of rich and pleasant flavor; quality very good; seed rather small, 

 weighing about 2 ounces, oblate in form, tight in the cavity, with 

 both seed coats adhering closely to the smooth cotyledons." 

 45564. "(No. 223. Avocado No. 36. December 10, 1917.) Chahil. A 

 small, early variety of attractive appearance, desirable form, and 

 excellent quality. It is similar to No. 6 [S. P. I. No. 43.560] and is 

 from the same region. 



" The parent tree is growing in a small coffee plantation belonging 

 to Ignacio Hernandez, situated on the hillside above San Lorenzo del 

 Cube, about 3 miles from Antigua. The altitude is approximately 

 5,500 feet. The tree is 45 feet high, the crown round, of good form, 

 45 feet broad, formed high above the ground. The trunk is 2 feet 

 thick at the base, and the branches are 15 feet above the ground. 

 The age of the tree is not known. 



" The altitude of this location is not sufficient to show whether 

 the variety is unusually hardy or not. It may be assumed to be of 

 average hardiness for the Guatemalan race until it has been tested in 

 the United States. 



