




ALMOND VARIETIES IN THE UNITED STATES 59 
edge never recurves; depressed along suture. Style adheres long (until de- 
hiscence) ; rudiment very small and very pubescent. 
Hull: Outer surface green, turning yellowish early, turns pinkish brown on 
ventral edge, this color finally spreading over the surface; surface frequently 
brownish red with pink splashes late in season; pubescence abundant, short, 
fine, gray, thick, felty. Inner surface of hull turns brown shortly after the 
hull opens and rapidly becomes light gray. Hull frequently brown when torn 
open before dehiscence starts. Dehiscence proceeds slowly along ventral edge, 
usually starting at base. Dorsal edge frequently cracks at base. Halves of 
the hull spread outward, the ventral edges rolling inward. 
Hulled nut—(P1l. V, H.) Size varies much, medium to large (14 by +d by 
qs to 14 by té by i inches). Number of nuts to the pound, 180 to 220. Per- 
centage of kernel to nut, 45. 
Shape: Moderately plump, long ovate, tapering to a point at apex; long in 
proportion to width (viewed edgewise, long oval or ovate, with sharp thin 
apex and frequently unsymmetrical sides). Ventral edge most sharply curved 
at base, curving rather gently at apex; wing thin, extending entire length of 
ventral edge, ending in sharp long acute point at apex, varies in prominence, 
but usually not very prominent, least prominent at base, frequently depressed 
at base. Dorsal edge gently curving, almost straight in middle, curving in- 
ward near apex; dorsal edge plump, ridge narrow and of medium prominence. 
Base round and plump; stem scar small, wide, at right angles to axis or 
slightly sloping ventrally; dorsal shoulder abruptly rounding; ventral shoulder 
gently rounding, frequently sloping and depressed. Apex pointed; tip long, 
thin, and acute where wing ends and frequently scimitar shaped. 
Shell: Soft, crumbly, light brown. Pits medium in number, roundish, large, 
and found on dorsal edge, as well as on sides; surface of shell stippled be- 
tween pits. Ventral edge near base depressed as a rule. Base usually lacks 
grooves except on ventral edge. Grooves at wide angle to wing on ventral 
edge. Canals medium size, round. Fibers medium size. Inner shell thin, light 
brown in color, being a little darker than outer. Ventral streak light yellow 
brown; usually narrow; medium length; sides straight near base; base obtuse. 
Kernel: A number of doubles (6 to 10 per cent). Large for size of nut (1¢ 
by 4 by is inches), light brown in color, long ovate or elliptical, fairly plump. 
Ventral edge usually more curved than dorsal, sometimes very much more. Fre- 
quently a deep long depression present in side, due to tendency to form doubles. 
Some shrunken kernels. Base wide, ventral shoulder sloping. Dorsal shoulder 
rounding, elevated above ventral. Apex varies from scimitar shape acute to 
obtuse. Pellicle thick, tough; veins distinct when kernel is fresh; pubescence 
varies, usually thick and coarse; pellicle fold on apex half or apex third of 
nut; base scar very small and frequently indistinct. Flavor mildly sweet and 
attractive. 
Distinguishing characteristics—The following combination of features is 
helpful in distinguishing this nut from other varieties: Nut long, pointed, pits 
very large and round or irregular, stem scar small, wing not prominent, apex 
acute or scimitar shaped; kernels variable in size and usually heavily pubes- 
cent. 
Classed according to shape, the Gilt Edge is in the group containing California, 
Jordan, Eureka, Favorite, and Sellers. It is distinguished from the Sellers 
by its somewhat harder outer surface, slightly shorter length, wider base, less 
pointed ends, and plump, shorter, and more cuneiform kernels. The Gilt Edge 
has a harder shell, much smaller and more numerous pits, and a less sharp and 
less recurved apex than the Favorite. The Eureka and California Jordan 
are easily distinguished from the Gilt Edge. (See descriptions of those varie- 
ties. ) 
COMMENTS 
Although the nut and kernel are quite large, the variability in size of the 
nut and the heavy pubescence covering the kernel are points against it. It is 
one of the poorer varieties and should be eliminated from commercial orchards. 
It is grown much less than formerly. 
29. GOLDEN NUGGET 
Origin.—In 1896 a seedling tree came up on the W. I. Appleby ranch, 
Esparto, Calif. It received its name from the round shape of the nuts it bore. 
The variety has not been grown outside of the district where it originated. 
The original tree is still living. 


