118 BULLETIN 1282, U. S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE 
Hull: Outer surface dark green, later turning yellowish; pubescence abun- 
dant, gray, woolly, medium in length. Dehisces slowly, usually on ven- 
tral edge, cracks at apex common. Edges of hull generally roll outward 
at base. Ripens during September. 
Hulled nut.—(Pl. XIII, D.) Size medium to rather large (14 by 2? by 
+ to 13 by 1 by ? inches; average, 14 by ~ by 2 inches). Number of nuts to the 
pound, 160 to 250. Varies much in size according to season. Percentage of 
kernel to nut in hand-cracked samples, 36; in machine-cracked orchard run, 23. - 
Shape: Medium in length, oval or ovate, axis slightly nearer dorsal edge 
than ventral. Ventral edge slightly curved; prominence of flange and wing 
varies, averaging medium; wing most prominent near middle, least promi- 
nent near apex. Dorsal edge curved considerably, but less than ventral 
edge; dorsal ridge varies aS to prominence. Base sharply rounded; stem 
scar large to medium in size; at right angles to axis or sloping slightly 
either ventrally -or dorsally; dorsal shoulder drops off rather suddenly; 
ventral shoulder sharply rounding. Apex pointed or sharply rounding; ven- 
tral and dorsal edges gently curved, frequently sharply curved. 
Shell very dark brown; varies much in hardness, soft to hard, averages soft; 
outer shell quite thick; varies in texture from crumbly and brittle to hard 
and flinty, generally hard. Pits medium in number; variable in size, Shape, 
and depth; extend over dorsal edge. Portion of surface between pits 
stippled. Grooves on ventral edge nearly parallel to wing. Short grooves at 
base. Canals numerous, large, round, or wide oval. Network of fibers medium 
fine. Fibers rather coarse. Inner shell thin, hard, with dark-brown un- 
dulating inner surface. Ventral streak very dark brown, medium in length 
to long, medium in width, with somewhat tapering base end; point of base 
end bluntly acute. 
Kernel: Medium thick; size medium (average 13 by #% by 2 inches). Few 
doubles (6 per cent). Shape oblong oval. Ventral edge curved the entire 
length. Dorsal edge rather straight and thin.. Base flat and rounded. Apex 
blunt. Pellicle medium to dark brown, tough, pubescence moderate, coarse; 
pellicle fold small, extending along apex half of ventral edge; veins frequently 
indistinct; base scar small, inconspicuous, oval. Flavor flat, poor. 
Distinguishing characteristics.—On account of slight variations in-this variety 
a reading of the entire description is advisable in attempting to distinguish 
the nut from other almonds. On account of its shape, the Routier is classed 
in a group containing the Brown, Cartagena, Concord, Fairoaks, Golden State, 
Rice, and several unnamed California seedlings. For points of difference be- 
tween it and those varieties, see ‘‘ Distinguishing characteristics” under the 
respective varieties, 
COMMENTS 
Although the Routier ‘is a heavy bearer as a rule and is widely grown, the 
quality is so poor that it should be eliminated from commercial plantings as 
rapidly as possible. Many Routier trees are being grafted over to better 
varieties. 
66. SELLERS 
Origin.—Originated prior to 1890 by George Sellers, Oakley, Calif. The 
Sellers almond has not been widely advertised and was never planted very 
extensively. At the present time only a small number of trees are grown in 
California, the largest plantings being in the Davis, Winters, and Oakley 
districts. 
Description 
TREE 
Vigorous, spreading (ratio of height of head to width, 1:14). Trunk 
stocky, vigorous, short; bark moderately rough with cracks close together, 
exfoliates in medium-sized flakes. 
Main branches.—Vigorous, long, somewhat slender. Branching angle widely 
acute. Wood very tough with many knots. Bark smooth, dark reddish yel- 
low brown with thin gray epidermis; exfoliates in small flakes; on young 
branches striations are common. 
Twigs—Very numerous, giving outer part of tree a feathery appearance, 
medium in length, rather slender, somewhat flexible. Branching angle wide. 
~ ohtte stom «ae 
