458 THE MONTHLY BULLETIN, 



While Mr. Hatch greatly improved the quality of the almond, the 

 varieties originated by him, when planted in the orchard, in solid blocks 

 of a single variety, rarely give satisfactory yield. The quality of the 

 product was improved at the expense of the output. To obtain cross- 

 pollination and increased yield it has been found to be good practice to 

 alternate the Hatch varieties with some hardier almond. Years ago 

 hard shelled almonds were used for this purpose, but now the Texas 

 Prolific, Drake's Seedling or other soft shelled varieties are generally 

 used because of their higher market value. Usually two rows of the 

 soft shelled varieties alternate with four rows of the Hatch varieties. 

 Planting in this manner is advised to facilitate gathering which will 

 later be explained. The rows should run, as far as may be, at right 

 angles to prevailing winds at the time of blooming, viz : if the prevailing 

 winds are from either the north or the south, run the rows by varieties, 

 east and west. This matter should be given the closest attention. 



Varieties. 



No general rule can be given for the distribution of the several 

 varieties of almonds that will apply to all sections. Experience is the 

 only safe guide as to what varieties should be planted in any given 

 locality. For instance, the IXL, an extremely shy bearer in many 

 localities, excels all other varieties in certain localities where conditions 



^ ; ' ,/'^ 



Fig 108 — California almonds. 1, IXL; 2, Nonpareil; 3, Ne Plus Ultra. (Cal. Hort. 



Com. ) 



of soil and climate meet the requirements of that variety. When you 

 plant, you plant for profit. Before deciding what to plant, find out 

 what varieties have done best in your immediate vicinity, or experiment 

 in a small way until you know what to plant. Neglect to follow this 

 rule has caused great' loss to individual almond growers in California 

 and has been responsible for much demoralization in the industry. 

 Apply business methods to the business you are about to engage in. 



A tree following Nature's laws makes the best of existing conditions. 

 Make the needs of the trees your study. Protect them from invasion of 

 all kinds. These trees are your partners as well as your property. You 

 have a right to demand of them full compliances with every term of the 

 existing partnership. They, in return, are entitled to a full and com- 

 plete performance of every detail of the contract on your part. It is 

 your duty to make possible the greatest development on the part of the 

 tree. If you have planted wisely and give it proper care, the trees will 

 do the rest. Unless each member does his part the partnership will be 

 a failure and the business unprofitable. 



