A TREATISE ON NUT CULTURE. 47 



ripening at same season planted near each other, to economize time in gather- 

 ing the crop. 



Contrary to the general belief, frost is not necessary to the ripening of the 

 nut; nor in all cases to the opening of the burr of the Chestnut, as some of 

 the early sorts, such as ALPHA, are generally open and gone three to four 

 weeks before frost appears. 



The frost will check the growth of the tree and circulation of the sap. The 

 evaporation of the sap in the burr will commence on the outside exposed sur- 

 face, which will rapidly dry and shrink, while the inner surface next the nuts 

 remains moist, which will cause the burs to open and let the nuts fall out. 



THE ALMOND.- (Amygdalus.) 



ALMOND-HARD SHELL. ALMOND SOFT OR PAPER SHELL. 



The Almond and Peach are considered to belong to the same species, and 

 the w r ild Almond tree is probably the parent from which all the cultivated 

 Peaches and Nectarines have descended. Of the early history and origin of the 

 Almond very little is known, although it is thought to be a native of the moun- 

 tainous regions of Asia, from whence it was taken to Italy, thence through 

 France to Great Britain, where it was never grown to any great extent, but its 

 cultivation confined to the Mediterranean countries, where it found a congenial 

 home. 



The European varieties were brought to this country and introduced in 

 California in the early settlement of the State, though with very indifferent 

 success, and not until after planting seedlings and much experimenting with 

 new and improved varieties was the industry made profitable. It is claimed 

 the Almond will grow wherever the Peach will thrive. This may be true with 

 the tree, though they have failed to produce fruit at a profit in the Eastern 

 Peach districts. 



Many sections of the Pacific slope, as well as some of our Southern and 

 Southwestern States, are thought to be suitable for the successful culture of the 



4 



