84 BULLETIN 1282, U. S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE 
in King and more flat. Pellicle light to medium brown; thin, tender ; pubescence 
very short, fine; veining distinct, pellicle fold medium heavy along apex third 
of ventral edge; base scar, medium to large, round or oval, frequently slightly 
elevated, distinct. Flavor sweet and nutty. Excellent. One of the very best. 
Distinguishing characteristics—The Klondike is sometimes confused with 
Nonpareil, many times with Silvershkell, and often with California, King, and 
Princess. Its kernel is often taken for that of the I. X. L., but it is far 
superior to the I. X. L. in flavor and is shorter, as a rule. For the points of - 
difference between Klondike, California, and King, see the distinguishing 
characteristics of the iatter two varieties. 
The Klondike and Princess are often confused. The stem scar of the 
Princess slopes more sharply dorsally than in the Klondike. In the Klondike 
the ventral streak has a tendency to be pointed at the base, while in the Princess 
the base of the streak is as wide or wider than any other portion. The Princess 
has many more imperfect kernels than the Klondike. 
In the Silvershel! the shell is much harder, lighter in color, the apex of the 
nut is much more pointed, and the base slopes much more dorsally than in the 
Klondike. The pits in the Silvershell are also. deep and distinct, while in the 
Klondike they are very shallow and indistinct. 
The Klondike is distinguished from the Nonpareil as follows: The base scar 
in the Klondike slopes dorsally; in the Nonpareil it slopes ventrally or is at 
right angles to the axis. The kernel of the Klondike is short, wide at the 
base, rapidly tapering from the base to apex, and commonly with dorsal shoulder 
humped. In the Nonpareil the kernel is very smooth, is long, only slightly 
tapering, and the base is round. 
COMMENTS 
One of the chief defects of this variety is the tendency of the nuts to ad- 
here to the trees so tenaciously as to make harvesting unduly expensive. An- 
other defect is the tendency of the old trees to produce light crops. It is a fact 
to be regretted that these defects preclude the growing of this excellently 
flavored nut on a larger scale. Although the Klondike has largely lost its popu- 
larity with growers, small orchards are found here and there in various parts 
of California. Many of the nuts do not enter the markets through the usual 
commercial channels, but on account of their flavor are used for home con- 
sumption or are sold loeally. 
43. LA FRANCE 
Origin.—This variety probably originated near Oakdale, Calif., from a seed- 
ling. Although trees of the variety are found in other sections of California, 
it has been grown chiefly in the Oakdale district. Most of the La France trees 
have been grafted to better varieties. 
Description 
TREE 
Exceedingly upright (ratio of width of head to height, 1:12), usually not 
a vigorous grower, grows scrubby. Trunk short; branches tend to originate 
in a bunch rather than being well distributed; bark rough. 
Main branches.—Tend to grow short. Branching angle very acute. Many 
knots. Bark smooth, exfoliates in very large patches. 
Twigs.—Rather short. Wood tough. Nodes rather large. Internodes short 
(seldom over 1 inch long, even on sucker growth). Bark tough, smooth, green, 
with reddish patches in autumn; thick gray bloom present. 
Lenticels—Medium in number on old wood, few on younger branches; small 
and very wide in proportion to‘length (average size on bark 8 to 10 years old, 
ye by zs inch) ; raised, gray, oval, apexes acute. 
Foliage-——Rather scant. Leaves medium in size, fold upward along midrib, 
curve slightly along margins. 
Blade: Size medium (% by 2 to 14 by 4 inches, average, 34 inches; ratio of 
width to length, about 1:3) ; mature leaves resemble I. X. L. in shape. Shape 
distinctly ovate; widest portion one-third of way from base to apex. Leaves 
narrower on old wood than on young. Base obtuse; origin of sides symmetrical. 
Apex acute to acuminate. Margins crenate; bristles short. Upper surface 
