XXXIV. NUT CROPS 



NUTS constitute an important part of man's food. They are 

 rich and nutritious, and should always be given a place among 

 our articles of diet. There are several kinds of nut trees which 

 are highly esteemed as ornamental shade trees, as well as for the 

 valuable fruit they yield. 



Some of the leading varieties are the almond, English walnut, 

 white walnut or butternut, hickory nut, pecan, chinquapin, chest- 

 nut, hazelnut, cocoanut, and Brazil nut. 



Almond trees. 



The almond tree looks very much like a peach tree in its size, 

 foliage, and flowers; but its fruit has hardly any flesh, and almost 

 its whole bulk consists of the stone or seed. When the fruit ripens, 

 the skin breaks open and the pulp dries up. The nuts fall to 

 the. ground and are then gathered and put in sacks ready for 

 shipment. 



220 



