



ALMOND VARIETIES IN THE UNITED STATES 93 
inner and outer shell. Canals and fibers small to medium in size. Pits few on 
ventral edge, numerous on dorsal edge, medium number on sides, mostly round, 
variable in depth, medium to large in size on sides, small on dorsal edge. Dor- 
sal ridge pitted or grooved with fine, short grooves. Surface between dots may 
be smooth or stippled. Ventral edge grooved, short grooves at base. Inner 
surface of inner shell medium brown in color and somewhat undulating. Ven- 
tral streak medium brown in color, medium length, wide, with bluntly tapering 
base. 
Kernel: Many doubles (40 to 50 per cent). Size small to medium (average, 
8 by is by 2 inch). Frequently irregular in shape. Single kernels quite 
plump, generally wide, short, ovate. Both dorsal and ventral edges increasing 
in curve from middle to sharp point of apex and nearly equal in length. 
Base round; dorsal shoulder round or slightly humped; ventral shoulder round. 
Apex plump but pointed. Pellicle usually light brown in color, thin; veining 
distinct; pubescence very short, pellicle fold small on apex third or half of 
ventral edge; base scar small, round, very dark brown and well up on base. 
Flavor slightly sweet, pleasant, quite good. 
Distinguishing characteristics —On account of its close resemblance to some 
other varieties it is. difficult to give, in a short space, distinguishing features 
of this nut. The small, low, scraggly tree is, of course, easily identified. 
The nut belongs to the group including the Ballard, Drake, Languedoc, 
Lewelling, Pistache, Spagon, and Texas. In shape it closely resembles the 
Drake; fer points of difference see the Drake. It is easily distinguished from 
the Languedoc; see description of Languedoc. It is distinguished from 
Spagon and Pistache by the very small size of these varieties. It is most 
easily separated from the Texas by its sweet kernel, the kernel of the Texas 
being distinctly bitter. Also, the Lewelling has many double kernels. 
COMMENTS 
The large proportion of double kernels and the slow, scraggly growth of the 
tree are the main defects of the variety. The fact that it is a good pollinizer 
of the Hatch varieties, its prolific bearing tendency, and the sweet, pleasant 
flavor of the kernel are points in its favor. It is superior to the Drake in 
the latter respects, but the nuts average somewhat smaller. It does well 
in the Oakley district, where the Hatch varieties do not bear well. It is 
probable that the Lewelling will always come into the market as a cheap nut, 
and for that reason further planting of the variety on a large scale is not 
advisable. 
: 48. LONG I. X. L. 
Origin.—Undoubtedly a seedling originated in the Oakley district of Cali- 
fornia. The variety has been grown in the section for a number of years, 
plantings having been made since 1910. It bears well and is much better suited 
to the district than the I. X. L. It is not grown commercially elsewhere. In 
the Oakley district this variety is called the Long I. X. L., while the true 
I. X. L. is frequently referred to as the Short I. X. L. 
Description 
TREE 
Medium upright (ratio of height of head to width, 1:1), branches somewhat 
spreading, rather vigorous grower. Trunk does not twist as in the true 
I. X. L. and tree is less upright. 
Main branches.—Somewhat upright, rather long, medium stocky. Branching 
angle moderately acute; many flat depressions; a number of knots. Wood 
slightly brittle. Bark a striking yellowish brown, frequently with thin gray 
epidermis; exfoliates in small flakes; young branches commonly striated. 
Twigs.—Long, vigorous, stocky, straight, rigid. Branching angle moderately 
acute. Wood somewhat brittle. Nodes large, giving twigs a zigzag appearance. 
Internodes medium in length (4 to 14 inches). Bark yellowish green, much 
bloom, reddish patches in autumn. 
Lenticels—Variable in size (on bark 8 to 10 years old, 35 by ws to 7s by 4 
inch). Wide oval; raised, gray, longitudinal cracks through middle; ends 
bluntly acute. 

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