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Rosacew, sub-order Amygdalece. In its natural state it is widely 

 distributed, being found in many parts of Western Asia, Northern 

 Africa and Southern Europe. Some authorities consider that the 

 Almond originally came from the same source as the Peach, both having 

 similar foliage and wood, but upon this point the evidence is not clear 

 enough to allow a definite conclusion. There are two classes of Almonds, 

 known respectively as <: sweet " and " bitter," and these by some 

 botanists are set down as separate species the former being called 

 Atrygdalus dulcis and the latter Amygdalus amara. The bitter Almond 

 is somewhat more robust and hardy than the other kind, and the 

 blossoms are larger and paler, but in other respects there is but little 

 difference in the appearance of the trees. Both classes again embrace 

 " hard" and "soft" shelled varieties, the latter being the sorts mostly 

 cultivated for commercial purposes. 



USES. 



Sweet Almonds are largely used by confectioners, and are also 

 commonly eaten with raisins and other dried fruits. Considerable 

 quantities are raised for these purposes in Southern Europe and Syria, 

 where the cultivation of the Almond is an important industry. Both 

 the " bitter" and the "sweet" Almond, by pressure, yield a bland oil in 

 large proportions, which is used extensively for culinary and other 

 purposes. It must be remembered, however, that by distillation the 

 bitter Almond yields a deadly poison, known as "essential oil of almonds," 

 and therefore great care should be taken that the refuse from the press is 

 not placed in the way of children or farm stock. The material that 

 remains after pressing the oil from the " sweet" Almonds makes excellent 

 food for cattle, sheep or poultry, and may also be turned to account for 

 flavouring confectionery and pastry. 



The cultivation of the Almond should prove profitable in many places, 

 and more especially in the moderately warm districts. There is a 

 considerable demand in the colonies for "soft" shell Almonds, and if in 

 the future a surplus is produced a good market can be found in Europe. 

 As an oil-yielding plant the Almond should also prove profitable, and 

 for this purpose alone it deserves attention. If properly treated, the 

 kernels will yield as high as 25 per cent, of their weight of excellent 

 oil, which will always find a market, locally or otherwise. 



CULTIVATION. 



The trees will grow in any ordinary good soil, though they thrive to 

 the greatest perfection in a rich, sandy loam of fair depth, with a 

 gravelly subsoil. In preparing the land, let it be worked deeply, and 

 more especially if it is heavy, compact soil. Drainage should also be 

 provided for when necessary, as the Almond will not thrive in ground 

 that is soddened for any length of time. The best time for planting is 

 July or early in August, according to the locality, and care must be 

 taken not to put the trees too deep in the ground. If planted in orchard 



