THE ALMOND. 



Amygdalus communis Dec. Rosacea of Botanists. 



THE almond tree is a native of the north of Africa ; of the moun- 

 tains of Asia ; and, of Russia. Linnaeus places it in the same genus 

 with the peach and nectarine, and many botanists regard it as the 

 parent of both. The fruit of almond, peach, and nectarine, it is 

 said, have been found growing naturally upon the same branch. 

 How true this may have been, when so recorded, we do not know, 

 but we do know, that nature produces no such variations in the 

 present age. The tree bears a general resemblance to the nectarine, 

 but is easily distinguished by its more glossy leaves, and the pecul- 

 iar color and hardness of the wood. The flowers resemble those 

 of the peach, but are larger than most varieties, and produced in 

 greater profusion. , It is a fruit which has been too much neglected, 

 and especially in our south-western States, where it should be grown 

 in such quantities, as to entirely exclude importation from Europe. 



Propagation. Easily grown from seed, which should be placed in 

 sand, kept moist during winter, cracked in spring, and sown in drills 

 three feet wide, and one pit every eight inches in the drill, covered 

 two inches deep. Varieties are continued by budding on the wild 

 plum (which is best) the peach and almond. In light soils, the 

 peach answers a very good purpose, but for strong, rich soils, the 

 plum is best. 



Soil, Hardihood, arid Cultivation. The soil should be well 

 drained ; but in our clear, sunny clime, a warm, sandy soil is not 

 essential. The long, hard shell variety is hardy, and productive 

 in the middle, and portions of the northern States ; while South, the 

 soft shell, or ladies' almond, is grown without difficulty. The 

 cultivation needed is same as that of the peach. 



Uses. The kernel of the sweet almond is esteemed as an article 

 of food, and used in confectionery, cookery, and perfumery. Bitter 

 almonds are used in medicine, furnishing somewhat of the prussic 

 acid of the shops. 



