PAPER SHELL WALNUTS 31 



French plum from which the race of stoneless 

 plums was developed. 



By selection among the seedlings of this 

 almost shell-less walnut, it was found that a 

 walnut without any shell, bearing simply a husk, 

 could readily be produced. But, as just related, 

 the birds were quickly aware of the fact, and 

 soon taught me that, except for its scientific 

 interest, the shell-less walnut had no value. 



After that the experiment in walnut breeding 

 was carried on in a somewhat different direc- 

 tion, a shell being obviously desirable. In due 

 time two varieties were developed that had the 

 shell of just the right consistency; combining 

 this trait with the habit of early and abundant 

 bearing and excellent quality of the nuts 

 themselves. 



Cions from these trees, grafted and regrafted, 

 make up the race of true Santa Rosa Soft 

 Shells. I am informed, however, that trees 

 grown from the seed have been extensively sold 

 as Santa Rosas, although they may depart very 

 widely from the characteristics of the parent 

 form. 



The name cannot be applied with propriety to 

 any trees except those that are grown by graft- 

 ing, for the walnut is a variable tree and cannot 

 be depended upon to come true from the seed. 



