The Almond. 407 
for the almond must be selected with great care. It has also 
been demonstrated that association of varieties promote pollina- 
tion and satisfactory bearing. 
Situations and Soils for the Almond.—Almonds are now do- 
ing best on the higher lands in coast valleys, free from fogs and 
protected from direct winds, but subject to tempered breezes; 
also at various points in the interior valleys and foot-hills. The 
general proposition that low lands in small valleys should be 
avoided, and bench or hillside situations preferred, seems to be 
a safe one. Lands directly upon the coast have not proved sat- 
isfactory. 
The almond prefers a loose. light, warm scil, and heavy, 
poorly-drained soils should be avoided. Though they need 
moisture enough to make good, thrifty growth they will produce 
good crops on soils that are too light or dry to grow satisfactory 
peaches, apricots, nectarines, cherries, or similar pulpy fruit. 
The almond is, however, a very deep-rooting tree, and may suc- 
ceed by reaching deeply for moisture rather than by denying 
itself, as some think. The tree certainly suffers and is barren 
from drouth in some cases. 
Propagating, Planting, and Pruning.—The almond is prop- 
agated from seedlings grown as described in Chapter VIII, and 
budded as described in Chapter IX. The almond root is pre- 
ferred, though the peach answers well. The apricot root should 
be avoided. 
For planting out, trees in dormant bid are very successful 
if given proper care. Yearling trees are, on the whole, best, and 
usually those which have made a moderate instead of a very large 
growth are to be preferred. The almond makes a comparatively 
large tree and should have plenty of room—not less than twent. 
four feet apart (though some plantations are made at twenty 
feet), and thirty feet is better. 
The pruning of the almond is very simple. The tree should 
be headed low and pruned during the first three years, as de- 
scribed in Chapter XII, to secure a shapely, strong tree. After 
the third year little pruning is required except to thin out ob- 
jectionable branches by winter pruning. There is danger of al- 
lowing the trees to become too dense. Shortening in, as prac- 
tised with the peach, is not desirable with the almond. 
The cultivation of the almond orchard is the same as com- 
mended for other fruit trees. and as the trees are often planted 
in naturally dry soils, the greater care in cultivation is needed to 
retain sufficient moisture to give good size to the nuts. In cer- 
tain locations, of course, irrigation will be necessary, but usually 
a light rainfall will answer if good cultivation is given. 
