CALIFORNIA CACTUS FRUITS 41 



like almonds, and when dried by fire and ground they are used as a 

 beverage, in the form of tablets made up with sugar, or as a simple 

 infusion. Fire-dried seeds contain 48.30 per cent of fatty matter; the 

 oil is suitable for foods and of good quality, and is said not to turn 

 rancid. In lower California it is prepared by boiling with water. 



The nuts of the California laurel were roasted by the native tribes 

 and esteemed a great delicacy. 



Cactus. The common cactus (Opuntia Engelmanni) bears a sweet 

 edible fruit which the Indians dry in large quantities for winter use. 

 By long boiling they make a sauce, which, after slight fermentation, 

 they consider especially nutritious and stimulating. The local species 

 has been used by Mr. Burbank in crossing to secure improved spineless 

 fruits on plants of greater productiveness. 



