BULLETIN 231] WALNUT CULTURE IN CALIFORNIA. 387 



dry. (About 7 cents per pound.) The highest price for which this 

 is sold ranges from 110 to 120 francs (10 to 11 cents per pound). It 

 is always sold in the shell ; it is exported to foreign countries, especially 

 to the United States. 



The Mayette is a walnut of Isere which dries better, and, at the 

 same time, whose yield is most assured in a soil and climate which 

 favors its culture. But this variety is very exacting and in the valley 

 of Gresivaudan it scarcely exceeds an altitude of 400 meters (1300 

 feet above sea level) ; if it is cultivated beyond this limit, it loses in 

 quality. On the other hand it requires fertile soil and abundant and 

 regular manuring. 



In spite of its quality, which places it in the first rank of table nuts, 

 it is hardly probable that the Mayette will extend outside the area 

 which it occupies in the department of Isere. Moreover, the agricul- 

 turists in regions producing the Mayette are making an effort to limit 

 it. For some years there have been planted here and there (Haute- 

 Savoie, Cher, etc. ) some walnut trees of this variety ; it is still too early 

 to form any conclusions from present results. 



The tree is vigorous and blossoms late but rapidly. In consequence 

 it makes a fine sight. It is fitting to add that in the above mentioned 

 cantons, the Mayette comprises nine tenths of the orchards. It con- 

 stitutes orchards whose mass of stately trees give a picturesque aspect 

 to the country. In a certain number of townships of Isere, the pro- 

 ducts of the Mayette tree form the principal resources of the agricul- 

 turist. 



Parisienne. The Parisienne nut is large, oblong and nearly as wide 

 at the top as at the base. It stands less easily on the base than the 

 Mayette. The point, the apex of the shell, is almost imperceptible. 

 This is somewhat hard, rather rough and of dark color. 



The average dimensions are as follows : length 40 mm., width 36 mm. 

 The average weight of a hectolitre (2.85 bushels) of dry nuts varies 

 from 30 to 33 kilogrammes (66 to 73 pounds). 



Like the Mayette, the Parisienne is a special variety of the depart- 

 ment of Isere. The crop is produced especially in the canton of Vinay 

 and somewhat in the canton of Saint-Marcellin. The color is less 

 fine than that of the Mayette, but the kernel is good and completely 

 fills the shell. Although less choice than the Mayette, and selling for 

 less, it is, nevertheless, one of the better varieties for dessert. It is 

 less exacting than the Mayette and may thrive at an altitude exceeding 

 400 meters. 



The tree is vigorous, flowering late and for rather long duration, 

 which favors its resistance to spring frosts and assures regularity of 

 crops. The crops are quite large. 



