96 LUTHER BURBANK 



dozen years or more were found not to be a fruit- 

 ing variety, and so were destroyed. 



An Australian tree-shrub, a small tree called 

 the Macadamia ternifolia, has been introduced in 

 California in recent years, and is regarded as a 

 valuable acquisition. The tree is ornamental, 

 and bears a fruit that is regarded as of value. At 

 the center of the fruit is a round, delicious nut, 

 much larger than the ordinary filbert, sometimes 

 almost equaling a small English walnut, that is 

 fully equal in flavor to the best filbert or almond. 



The Macadamia has proved hardy in this 

 vicinity, but requires a well-drained soil. A wet 

 winter is very destructive to the trees, unless they 

 are on dry, well-drained land. 



There are several species of Macadamia, the 

 one that I have raised most extensively being 

 known as Macadamia ternifolia. This is a hand- 

 some evergreen, the leaves of which resemble 

 those of the magnolia, but are thinner and 

 rougher. The nuts are often an inch in diameter, 

 with rather thin but hard shells, and large, round, 

 delicious meats. Further tests will be necessary 

 before the climatic limitations of the Macadamia 

 are fully established. But in regions where it can 

 be grown, it must prove a nut of great value. 



