88 BULLETIN 1282, U. S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE 
The shape of this nut places it in the group including the Ballard, Drake, 
Languedoc, Lewelling, Pistache, and Texas. The Languedoc is easily distin- 
guished from any of these varieties by its very prominent wing, having a 
peculiar curve at the apex, and by the prominent longitudinal depressions 
- and ridges on its ventral edge. 
Although the Languedoc is so often confused with the Texas, there is really 
no need for uncertainty. Much of the confusion doubtless arises from the fact 
that many of the supposed Texas trees are actually Languedoc. In the Langue-- 
doc nut the wing is always thin and prominent; very prominent and much 
curved at the apex, which is never the case in the Texas. The longitudinal de- 
pressions and ridges are more prominent on the ventral edge of the Languedoc 
nut than in any other variety. The depressions and ridges are very slight on 
the true Texas, but occur in varying degrees on Languedoc seedlings. The 
Languedoc nut is longer in proportion to width than the Texas. The Texas 
kernel is slightly bitter in flavor, like a peach Kernel, which is never the case 
with the Languedoc. 
COMMENTS 
The chief point in favor of this variety is its late blooming habit. It is 
a shy bearer, however, and frequently an alternate bearer. The nuts and 
kernels tend to be small except when the crop is light, and they are of mediocre 
quality. The trees of this variety are apparently Ieng lived and are thrifty 
growers. The Languedoc almond became unpopular after better varieties 
began to be produced. The variety certainly should not be recommended for 
future plantings except for home use in sections where all except the late- 
blooming varieties are apt to be injured by late spring frosts. It is interesting 
to note that the Languedoc almond is intersterile with the Texas, at least 
in some districts. This fact suggests the close relationship of the two varieties. 
OTHER TYPES OF LANGUEDOCS 
Several types of almonds are grown in California which differ only slightly 
from the Languedoc. They are probably seedlings. One of these resembles the 
Languedoc in every way except that the shell is thinner and the nut a little 
more pointed at the base. Another type differs from the true Languedoe in 
being more oval in shape and having a longer kernel. Still another type has 
fewer ridges, a much less prominent wing, a more pointed apex, a kernel with 
a more pointed apex, a greater amount of pubescence, and sweeter flavor. 
While some of these types are slightly superior to the true Languedoc, they 
are so much inferior to the Hatch and certain other varieties as to merit no 
consideration. 
45. LA PRIMA 
Origin.—The La Prima was one of the four promising seedling trees (the 
other three being the Nonpareil, I. X. L., and Ne Plus Ultra) resulting from the 
planting of 2,000 bitter-almond seeds by A. T. Hatch, of Suisun, Calif., in 1879. 
Mr. Hatch finally eliminated La Prima from his list, but not before the variety 
had been quite widely distributed in California. Although as a commercial 
variety the La Prima has almost disappeared, there are still commercial 
orchards in the Lodi-Acampo district, and occasional trees are found in the 
other districts of northern California. The nut frequently enters the market 
as Ne Plus Ultra, which it resembles. 
Description 
TREE 
Large, vigorous grower, quite spreading (ratio of height of head to width, 
1:14). Trunk stocky, short, tends to grow somewhat crooked; bark rough. 
Main branches.—Length moderate, quite stocky, somewhat drooping. slightly 
crooked. sranching angle obtuse. Wood soft. Old bark somewhat rough, 
but has smooth areas, reddish gray; exfoliates in large patches; on S-year-old 
wood and younger, the bark is smooth as a rule. 
Twigs.—Tend to grow rather short; moderately stocky; branching angle 
acute. Nodes small. Internodes short (4 to 4 inch). Bark moderately thick; 
rather brittle; smooth; greenish; turning reddish in late summer. 
ee 
wae. tiem ~ 
