CHAPTER XXIII 



NUTS AND SUBTROPICAL FRUITS 



It should be of general interest to students in all parts of the 

 country to learn of the fruits and nuts that are to be found in all 

 our markets. For the purpose of giving general and horticultural 

 information on nut culture and the subtropical fruits, these are 

 discussed here. 



Almonds have been grown commercially in California for many 

 years (Fig. 194, E). The orchards extend into the irrigated regions 

 of other southwestern states. The almond tree resembles the 



peach tree in many particulars. 

 The orchards are given much 

 the same culture and care as 

 peach orchards. 



Trees must be protected from 

 late spring frosts to avoid damage 

 to the blossoms. Planting on 

 hillsides to give air drainage is 

 most practical. The use of or- 

 chard heaters is also resorted to. 

 Good varieties of California 

 origin, named in order of popu- 

 larity are: Nonpareil, IXL, and 

 Ne Plus Ultra. 



Chestnuts.— These are both native and introduced. The native 

 chestnuts (Fig. 188) of the northeastern part of this country are 

 used for home consumption, but are seldom found in the markets. 

 The native stocks are used in propagating the improved varieties 

 introduced from Europe. Cleft grafting and bark grafting are 

 chiefly practiced in this work. 



The Paragon and the Ridgely are good varieties grown some- 

 what easily on our native stocks. Japanese varieties may come 

 into more general use when they are better known. 



The chestnut blight has destroyed much of the chestnut growth 

 of the East and may ruin the commercial growth of these nuts in 

 America. 

 270 



Fig. IBS.- 1 — Native cheetnuta are used for 

 food. They are planted to produce stocks 

 for propagation of the better sorts. 



