MALEPALMS 123 



heavier leaves, which are stiff, and closely packed 

 together; the trunk is usually stouter. 



The characteristics of a male offshoot, as 

 distinguished from a female, are generally as follows : 



The number of the leaves in the crown is greater. 



The segments of the leaves are somewhat stouter, 

 and their sharp points are consequently more 

 penetrating. 



The spines are frequently heavier and set closer 

 together. 



The leaves have a crowded appearance (because 

 there are more of them). 



If there is a stem, it is usually thicker than in the 

 case of females. 



It is not to be supposed, however, that a novice 

 can decide with certainty whether an offshoot is male 

 or female. Experience and close observation are 

 required. 



Arabs of Northern Africa have an interesting 

 theory that if the midrib of each leaf of a male palm, 

 still young, is split from tip to base, the palm will 

 become a female. This has not usually been considered 

 worthy of the attention of scientific men, yet a French 

 grower at Biskra claims to have proved its truth to his 

 own satisfaction. Anyone with a few male seedlings 

 to spare may be interested to try it for himself. The 

 Frenchman referred to also states that he has suc- 

 ceeded in grafting the palm an operation that is, 

 theoretically, not impossible, but at least has never 

 been accomplished (unless by him) and placed on 

 scientific record. 



As particularly choice varieties of males are 

 found and perpetuated, it is much to be desired that 



