116 BULLETIN 1282, U. S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE 
or slightly sloping either ventrally or dorsally. Apex tapering and sharp 
pointed; extreme apex acute, ending in projection of wing. Apex somewhat 
scimitar shaped. 
Shell: Very soft, light gray or yellow brown; outer shell thin and crumbly. 
Pits numerous, large, round, deep. Surface between pits stippled. Canals 
few in number, medium in size. Fibers medium in size. Inner shell very 
thin, hard, brittle; medium light brown on inner surface. Ventral streak dark 
brown, medium length, usually wide, base end bluntly tapering. 
Kernel: Small to medium (average, $ by 4 by % inch). Many doubles; ovoid; 
both dorsal and ventral edges slightly curving. Base sloping; ventral shoulder 
sloping; dorsal shoulder rounded. Apex slightly tapering. Pellicle thin, red- 
dish brown, smooth appearing, having a little very short, fine pubescence. 
Flavor very slightly sweet; fair. 
Distinguishing characteristics—This variety is no longer common. Ac- 
cording to shape the nut falls into the class including the Brown, Cartagena, 
Concord, Fairoaks, Golden State, Routier, and various unnamed California 
seedlings. The nut of the Rice is easily distinguished by the long, pointed, 
scimitar-shaped apex, plump base, soft shell, and the marked reddish tinge to 
the pellicle. 
COMMENTS 
This variety is of little value. The nuts are too small and there are too 
many doubles among them. Only a few trees are grown at the preSent time. 
63. RIO BONITO 
Origin.—Unknown; perhaps originated near Niles, Calif. Only a few trees 
remain. 
Description 
Hulled nut.—Size rather small to medium (average, 14 by ? by 8 inehes). 
Shape: Rather plump; tapering-ovate (viewed edgewise, ovate with long 
tapering apex). Ventral edge gently curved near middle; curved suddenly 
near base and quite sharply at apex; wing medium in width and medium 
prominent throughout entire Jength of ventral edge. Dorsal edge slightly 
curved, tending to recurve somewhat at apex. Base plump, round; stem scar 
small, nearly round, slightly sloping dorsally. Apex bluntly tapering; ven- 
tral edge gently curving, dorsal edge recurving Slightly at extreme apex. 
Shell: Paper, dark brown or dark grayish brown; outer shell with small 
bumps or elevations, very soft, thin, and flaky, usually adhering to hull. Pits 
small, shallow, few in number. Inner shell exceedingly thin and brittle. In- 
ner surface dark brown and smooth. Ventral streak dark brown, long, wide; 
blunt and wide at base end. 
Kernel: Size, medium to quite large (1 by 3 by 2 inch). Ovate, tapering 
from base to apex with dorsal and ventral edges slightly curved. Base wide 
and quite plump, ventral shoulder rounded: dorsal shoulder somewhat square 
and sloping. Apex rather flat and somewhat cuneiform. Pellicle dark 
brown with very thick, coarse pubescence; veins indistinct; pellicle fold small 
on apex half of ventral edge; base scar dark brown, usually round, rather 
large. Flavor flat, poor. 
Distinguishing characteristics—The Rio Bonito is easily distinguished 
from other varieties by the shape of the nut (see description). 
COMMENTS 
Although the Rio Bonito has a paper shell which is well filled by the kernel, 
the inferior quality of the kernel is against it. The variety is said to be an 
erratic bearer. It is not a commercial variety at the present time, there being 
only a few trees in existence. 
64. RIO VIRGIN 
Origin.—Unknown; grown at one time to a limited extent in southern Utah. 
Description 
Hulled nut.—Size medium (1% by 1 by # inches). 
Shape: Oblong oval. Ventral edge gently curved with very thick and very 
prominent flange and wing. Dorsal edge very slightly curved, almost straight. 
