ON THE ALMOND 
Unfortunately neither of the varieties men- 
tioned produces nuts of the largest size, but their 
certainty of bearing gives them advantage over 
varieties that would otherwise be superior but 
which cannot be depended upon. 
It should not be difficult, except that such an 
experiment necessarily takes time, to crossbreed 
the different varieties that have individual traits 
of exceptional value, and thus to produce in the 
second generation, or through successive selec- 
tions, varieties that will combine the best quali- 
ties. Indeed, something has already been accom- 
plished in this direction, notably in the case of such 
a variety as that known as Drake’s Seedling, a late 
blooming variety that is prolific and a regular and 
abundant bearer, notwithstanding its parent 
form was the Languedoc which has been pretty 
generally condemned for irregular bearing. There 
is no good reason why the almond should not 
bear as regularly and as abundantly as the apple 
or peach or cherry. 
As to the shell of the almond, this has been so 
specialized through selective breeding that in the 
best varieties it is perhaps as soft and thin as 
desirable. If it becomes too soft, it is liable to 
injury in shipping, and thus the appearance of the 
nuts is marred and their market value impaired; 
also being subject to destruction by birds before 
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