LUTHER BURBANK 



One striking peculiarity of the Opuntias fiber 

 is tliat it is bleached without any preparation. 

 When the pulp is removed, the remaining fiber is 

 perfectly white, and ready for use without neces- 

 sitating the usual process of bleaching. 



So the Opuntia which develops its enormous 

 weight or tonnage of forage and its abundant sup- 

 ply of food for man in the early stages of its 

 growth, will subsequently, without relinquishing 

 its original function, produce supplies of fiber that 

 may be of value. The rapidity and growth of the 

 plant would insure the production of such quan- 

 tities of material as to give it a certain importance 

 even if it could be grown only on arable lands; 

 but the quantity is at best relatively small. 



That it can be grown also on the waste places 

 is obviously an additional merit of the first grade. 

 A Summary of Qualities 



Let us, then, in conclusion summarize briefly 

 the qualities that give the new spineless Opimtias 

 economic value. In so doing I may refer to two 

 or three subordinate uses to which the plants have 

 been put that have not been specifically mentioned 

 in the preceding studies. Here is the list: 



First : The new spineless Opuntias supply abun- 

 dant quantities of fresh fruit that is unique in form 

 and color, of superior flavor, of sure crop, and of 

 good shipping quality. Delicious jams, jellies, and 



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