
ALMOND VARIETIES IN THE UNITED STATES 293 
from edge of disk, then dropping off suddenly; cavity, 4 inch across and 7 to 
32 inch deep. Apex bluntly pointed with tendency to be widely cuneiform; 
the rather thin dorsal edge curves in suddenly and is then straight for 4 inch 
at apex; style drops early; rudiment exceedingly small. 
Hull: Outer surface green, turning yellowish and finally dark brown when 
dehiscing, frequently having a reddish tinge; pubescence very short, medium 
in quantity, medium fine, felty, gray. Dehisces along ventral edge first, then 
from apex upward on dorsal edge, but the majority dehisce on ventral edge 
only. When dehiscing on both edges, the two halves of the hull remain at- 
tached at the base. During the first stage of dehiscence the inner surface of 
the hull is light green, changing rapidly to dark brown. Ripening dates, Sep- 
tember 5 to 30. 
Hulled nut.—(P1. 1, B.) Size medium (14 by ? by 2 inches) and fairly regular. 
Number of nuts to the pound average 140. Percentage of kernel to nut in hand- 
cracked samples, 40 to 50. 
Shape: Plump, ovate; viewed edgewise, oval to cuneiform. Ventral edge 
with wing thin, extending throughout entire length and most prominent be- 
tween middle and apex; extends close to stem scar. Ventral suture on one or 
both sides of wing slightly depressed near stem scar, at which point only it is 
distinct. Tendency for wing to form bulge at one-third of distance from apex to 
base. Dorsal edge with distinct dorsal ridge most prominent near apex and 
base (is inch wide) ; frequently corky in structure, usually of a darker brown 
than the rest of the almond, and marked by fine longitudinal lines. Base dor- 
sally sloping. Stem scar runs close to dorsal ridge, small to medium in size. 
Apex slightly tapering, ending in sharp point. 
Shell: Outer surface rather soft, easily broken with fingers; scuffs off some. 
Pits, medium in number, mostly round, medium size, deep. Surface between 
pits stippled. Canals large, usually oval. Inner shell thin and hard; inner 
surface smooth. Ventral streak narrow to medium in width (sz to 7s inch) 
and either lighter or darker in color than rest of shell. 
Kernel: Some doubles; size medium to rather large (average, 1 by 4 by 2 
inch). Plump. Ovoid to cuneiform. Both dorsal and ventral edges slightly 
curving toward apex. Ventral shoulder slightly rounded. Dorsal shoulder ob- 
lique and usually straight. Pellicle thick, tough, pubescent, usually dark brown 
in color. Flavor fair. 
Distinguishing characteristics—Nut resembles Drake quite closely, but apex 
is more tapering and ends in a sharp point, the shell is lighter in color, and 
the kernel more pubescent. In the Ballard there is a tendency for the wing to 
bulge near the apex. The nut is remarkably like the Spagon and Pistache in 
shape, but the latter two are exceedingly small and, therefore, easily recog- 
nized. The Ballard can be distinguished from other varieties by the same 
points as those by which the Drake is distinguished. 
COMMENTS 
The blossoms of this variety usually escape frost injury because of its late- 
blooming habit. It normally blooms about the same time as the Drake. The 
nuts ripen during September. The tree is a heavy and regular bearer and may 
prove of value for interplanting with the Hatch varieties for pollination pur- 
poses. The variety should not, however, be widely planted until further trial. 
3. BARCLAY 
Origin.—This variety has been known since 1895. The original tree, found 
in a planting near Knightsen, Calif., came from the seed of a bitter almond. 
It was first propagated and distributed in the Oakley, Antioch, and Knightsen 
districts by Walter Barclay, who was impressed with its bearing habits. The 
variety has been confined almost entirely to these districts, where a few tons 
of the nuts are harvested annually. 
Description 
TREE 
Upright (ratio of height of head to width, 1:1), spreading at the top, lower 
branches drooping, top somewhat bushy, branches rambling. Growth moder- 
ately vigorous. Trunk stocky, long; bark medium rough, exfoliating in large 
flakes. 
