

ALMOND VARIETIES IN THE UNITED STATES 9 
With the exception of a few varieties of special interest, only 
those are described that enter the market in quantities of 1 ton or 
over annually. 
The characteristics most helpful in determining a variety are 
enumerated as distinguishing characteristics. These are more use- 
ful in the rapid comparison of a few varieties and as “ guide posts” 
to set the seeker on the right path than as details sufficient in them- 
selves for purposes of identification. Before final decision is reached 
the complete description should be gone over carefully, the illus- 
trations consulted, and the variety run down in the key. When 
practicable, it is advantageous to trace down a known variety before 
an unknown variety is attempted. This will give a working knowl- 
edge of the terms used, as well as material for comparison. 
GENERAL CONSIDERATIONS 
It is well to recognize the fact that no known variety has yet 
proved entirely satisfactory for American production. No variety 
is ideal, and though breeding of almonds is to be undertaken by the 
United States Department of Agriculture in cooperation with the 
University of California it will be some time before better varieties 
can be bred and tested. The grower, therefore, should plant or 
graft over trees producing inferior nuts to the best varieties now 
available, not forgetting to consider the limitations of his locality 
and the interplanting necessary for pollination purposes. The best 
varieties of California origin, such as the Nonpareil and I. X. L, 
are in a class by themselves, as is the imported Jordan. 
With the exception of Jordan, Tarragona, Valencia, and at times 
one or two others of the better varieties, the imported nuts most 
sharply competing in the American markets with those produced 
in California are the poor varieties. ‘There is strong competition 
between these and similar nuts grown in California. Grafting over 
most of the inferior California varieties to the better varieties would 
relieve some of the pressure from foreign competition. 
A summary of the recommendations as to the best varieties for 
planting follows. 4 
Group 1—Highest priced varieties, suited to marketing both in the shell 
and shelled: (1) The Nonpareil is the best variety to grow in all localities 
except the Oakley district. (2) The I. X. L. is sold in the shell. (See descrip- 
tion.) Market strong. Limited to districts in which it can be grown profit- 
ably. (3) The Ne Plus Ultra brings a good price, but has several defects 
from the grower’s standpoint. (See description. ) 
Group 2.—Low-priced and somewhat inferior varieties which have defects 
from the producer’s standpoint, but for which markets have been established : 
(1) Drake. (2) Peerless. 
Group 3—Low-priced varieties producing heavily, but the future of which 
depends upon the possibility of marketing them shelled: (1) Texas. (2) 
Stuart. (8) Acampo Texas. 
Group 4.—Varieties of use or promise under special conditions, but which 
as yet should be planted cautiously (see descriptions): (1) Ballard. (2) 
Batham. (3) Hureka. (4) Long I. X. L. (5) Smith. 
Group 5—Varieties possessing excellent qualities from the consumer’s 
standpoint, but which can not now be grown profitably in the United States: 
(1) Jordan. (2) Klondike. (3) Princess. 
Group 6.—Varieties which should be eliminated from commercial plantings 
for reasons given in the varietal descriptions of each: All those not mentioned 
in Groups 1 to: 5. 

4Ror the reasons for these recommendations, see the varietal descriptions. 
