OL50 LUTHER BURBANK 



tional character. That there is also a high 

 water content is no disadvantage in a plant 

 growing in arid regions. On the contrary, we 

 have seen that this is to be regarded as one of 

 the greatest merits of the plant, inasmuch as it 

 enables animals to secure their water supply by 

 eating the slabs, thus maintaining health and 

 growth even when no drinking water is avail- 

 able for months together. 



The qualities of the cactus fruit have been 

 dealt with elsewhere. 



It will be recalled that there are numerous 

 varieties of fruit, differing almost as widely as 

 the varieties of apples. The essential character 

 of all the fruits of the improved varieties, how- 

 ever, is a peculiar juiciness of pulp, combined 

 with individuality of flavor and in some cases a 

 faint trace of acid. The fruit of the wild Opun- 

 tias has sometimes been characterized as lack- 

 ing flavor. But constant attention has been paid 

 to the bettering of the fruit and the fruit of the 

 new varieties is very popular with all those who 

 are acquainted with it. 



On my grounds the choicest varieties of 

 fruits of many kinds are grown, but the 

 workmen usually prefer the fruit of the 

 Opuntias to any other that is in season at the 

 same time. 



