


ALMOND VARIETIES IN THE UNITED STATES 51 
cavity well. Shape distinctive, but varies somewhat. Ventral edge curved 
similar to ventral edge of shell, round and plump. Ventral shoulder flat, de- 
cidedly sloping, approaching axis at an acute angle. Dorsal edge fairly 
straight and sharper than ventral. Dorsal shoulder plump, sharply rounding, 
and elevated above ventral shoulder. Arrangement of shoulders gives base a 
round-pointed, lopsided appearance. Apex usually pointed and curving dor- 
sally. Pellicle light brown, thin; veins visible, but not distinct. Covered with 
very short heavy pubescence, sc short that the kernel appears smooth; pellicle 
fold very short, extending only one-fourth way up toward base. Pubescence 
slightly heavier along ventral edge near pellicle fold than elsewhere. Flavor, 
sweet, good. 
Distinguishing characteristics.—The shape of this nut places it in a class 
with California Jordan, Favorite, Gilt Edge, and Sellers. The shape, however, 
is very distinctive; nut long, plump, somewhat crescent shaped, widest portion 
frequently nearer apex than base, dorsal edge nearly straight, often recurving 
at apex, base tapering, pointed, constricted, shell soft, crumbly, pits large and 
irregular in shape. Kernel long, tapering at both ends, dorsal edge quite 
straight; pellicle with pubescence so short as to appear almost smooth to the 
eye, but enough to give it the texture of very fine sandpaper when finger is 
rubbed over it. 
The shape of the Eureka closely resembles that of the California Jordan, 
which see. 
COMMENTS 
Records of the blooming dates of the Eureka show that it may be useful as a 
pollinizer of the Nonpareil. The Eureka shell is soft, the kernels are attractive, 
and the nut though. small has met with favor where known. It is probable 
that as it becomes better known the demand will increase. Although the variety 
is promising, plantings should be made gradually until its marketing value and 
its conduct in different districts are ascertained. : 
OTHER SO-CALLED EUREKAS 
Many seedlings have been locally miscalled the “ Eureka.’ In some sections 
the name ‘ Eureka” is given to the Provence. A seedling closely resembling 
the Eureka is found in the Lodi, Acampo, and Oakdale sections. It may be 
distinguished from the Eureka by the following differences: Apex does not 
curve dorsally ; wing prominent entire length of ventral edge; dorsal ridge more 
prominent than in Eureka; pits in shell larger; short grooves present at base. 
- Shell coarser than Eureka; many double kernels; pellicle dark brown in color 
and very pubescent. This nut is easily distinguished from the true Eureka when 
the two are seen together, but is easily mistaken for it when seen by itself. 
23. FAIR 
Origin.—In question. Has been grown to a limited extent for years. 
Description 
Hulled nut.—(P1. V, A.) Size medium (13 by 1 by # inches). Number to 
the pound, 225 to 240. Percentage of kernel to nut in hand-cracked sam- 
ples, 50. 
Shape: Medium long, ovate, slightly resembling Ne Plus Ultra. Axis usually 
near dorsal edge, but this varies. Edgewise view long-ovate or elliptical. Ventral 
edge curved, a little straighter than in Ne Plus Ultra. Wing varies in thick- 
ness, usually medium in thickness and medium in prominence. Dorsal edge 
quite straight up to shoulder, curving inward at apex. Dorsal ridge narrow 
and quite elevated. Base bluntly to sharply rounding, either plump or slightly 
flattened ; ventral shoulder rounding, dorsal shoulder rather square; stem scar 
small and elevated or on level with surrounding parts, at right angles to axis 
or slightly ventrally sloping. Apex plump. Acute to bluntly acute, tip fre- 
quently slightly scimitar shaped.. Ventral edge of base gradually curving, 
dorsal edge of apex curves inward. 
Shell: Light grayish brown. Pits numerous, large and deep, but variable in 
Size in same nut. Surface between pits finely stippled. Pits and fine grooves 
on dorsal edge. Narrow and rather deep grooves on base and on ventral edge, 
running at acute angles to wing on both sides. Outer shell rather firm, but 
