THE AVOCADO 



77 



it is usually identified. The leaves are commonly smaller 

 than those of the Guatemalan and West Indian races, and 

 sharper at the apex. The fruit is small, 3 to 12 ounces in 

 weight, rarely 15 or 16 ounces. The skin is thin, often no 

 thicker than that of an* apple, and usually smooth and glossy 

 on the surface. The color varies from green to deep purple. 

 The seed is commonly larger in proportion to the size of the fruit 

 than in the Guatemalan race. The seed-coats are both thin, 

 sometimes closely united and adhering to the cotyledons, some- 

 times separating as in the West Indian race. The flowers 

 are heavily pubescent, and appear in winter or early spring, 

 sometimes as early as November and usually 

 not later than March. The fruit ripens in 

 summer and autumn, commencing in June 

 in Florida and August in California. Some- 

 times a second crop is produced from late 

 flowers, ripening from March to May in 

 California. 



Northrop (Fig. 8). Form obovate to pyri- 

 form, sometimes distinctly necked; size small, 

 weight 5 to 8 ounces, length 4 inches, greatest 

 breadth 2 inches ; base narrow, the slender stem 

 inserted squarely almost without depression; 

 apex rounded ; surface smooth, very glossy, deep 

 purple in color, with a few small maroon dots ; skin thin, adhering 

 closely to the flesh, membranous ; flesh buttery, cream yellow in color, 

 practically free from fiber, and of rich flavor ; quality good ; seed 

 oblong-conic, small, fitting tightly in the cavity with the seed-coats 

 both adhering closely. Season October and November at Santa Ana, 

 California, with a second crop maturing in April and May. 



Originated near Santa Ana, California; first propagated in 1911 

 under the name Eells. The tree is vigorous, frost-resistant, and 

 productive. 



Puebla (Fig. 9). Form obovoid, slightly oblique; size below 

 medium to medium, weight 8 to 10 ounces, length 34 inches, greatest 

 breadth 21 inches ; base obliquely flattened, the stem inserted slightly 

 to one side in a small shallow cavity ; apex obliquely flattened but not 

 prominently so ; surface smooth, glossy, deep maroon-purple, in color, 



FIG. 8. The North- 

 rop avocado. (X 7) 



