ON THE ALMOND 



Unfortunately neither of the varieties men- 

 tioned produces nuts of the largest size, but their 

 certainty of bearing gives them advantage over 

 varieties that would otherwise be superior but 

 which cannot be depended upon. 



It should not be difficult, except that such an 

 experiment necessarily takes time, to crossbreed 

 the different varieties that have individual traits 

 of exceptional value, and thus to produce in the 

 second generation, or through successive selec- 

 tions, varieties that will combine the best quali- 

 ties. Indeed, something has already been accom- 

 plished in this direction, notably in the case of such 

 a variety as that known as Drake's Seedling, a late 

 blooming variety that is prolific and a regular and 

 abundant bearer, notwithstanding its parent 

 form was the Languedoc which has been pretty 

 generally condemned for irregular bearing. There 

 is no good reason why the almond should not 

 bear as regularly and as abundantly as the apple 

 or peach or cherry. 



As to the shell of the almond, this has been so 

 specialized through selective breeding that in the 

 best varieties it is perhaps as soft and thin as 

 desirable. If it becomes too soft, it is liable to 

 injury in shipping, and thus the appearance of the 

 nuts is marred and their market value impaired; 

 also being subject to destruction by birds before 



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