THE STANDARD VARIETY FOR FERTILIZING 
51 
The tree is equal to that of the Drake’s Seedling for its heavy bearing quali¬ 
ties but grows much larger. It is of an upright habit, having a smooth wood 
and a fine foliage. It is a late bloomer, consequently is almost sure to escape 
damage from late frosts. The nut is of medium size having a soft shell which 
is white in color. The kernel is short, plump and very sweet. 
We know orchards of Texas Prolific that have been bearing for fifteen years 
and have never failed to produce a fine crop. We feel that we cannot too 
strongly recommend the Texas Prolific to all planters who contemplate plant¬ 
ing almond orchards. Its value as a pollenizer must not be overlooked. Blooms 
last of March. 
CHESTNUTS 
The principal varieties of chestnuts planted in California are the Italian or 
Spanish and the Japanese. In later years the French varieties, Marron Com* 
bale and Marron de Lyon, also several varieties introduced in the Eastern 
States, have been planted here. There is no question but that the Marrons 
and the Eastern varieties produce much finer quality nuts than the Italian or 
Spanish, and they are rapidly coming into favor. 
There are many sections in California suited for their culture, especially in 
coast counties. They thrive well on heavy clay soils, as well as in deep loam 
or sand, provided that it is retentive of moisture and deep enough to let the 
roots penetrate it readily. In the interior valleys the river bottom soils are 
the best. Aside from its being a desirable nut-bearing tree, it is ornamental 
and used both as specimens and for avenue planting. The trees should be 
planted 50 feet apart; on very light, gravelly or sandy soils they can be planted 
40 feet each way. When the trees are planted, cut them back to 3 feet and 
allow three to four branches to form the head of the tree. All the future 
pruning required is to thin out over-lapping branches and keep the center of 
the head open. These trees, where planted in good soils and where climatic 
conditions are favorable, will begin bearing nuts after three years from trans¬ 
planting. 
Prices of Grafted Chestnut Trees 
6 to 8 ft. 
4 to 6 ft. 
3 to 4 ft. 
Each 
10 
.$1.00 
$8.00 
. .80 
6.00 
. .60 
5.00 
Japan Mammoth This variet y enjoys the distinction of being the leader 
among chestnuts. The tree is a much earlier producer 
than any of the other varieties. It is very symmetrical and is valuable not only 
for its fine nuts but for its ornamentation as well. 
The nuts are very large and fine in flavor. We highly recommend planting 
it both for profit and ornamentation. 
Marron Combale Planted quite extensively, in California, with very sat¬ 
isfactory results. It is supposed to be of French origin 
and quite superior to many of the other varieties of chestnuts. 
The nut is large, sweet and possesses a fine flavor. The foliage is glossy and 
presents a pleasing appearance as well as being a vigorous grower and pro¬ 
ductive. 
Marron de Lyon This is another one of French origin and is claimed by 
growers of chestnuts to be valuable. 
The nuts are roundish in shape and very large. The tree is a vigorous 
grower and is much prized for its ornamental appearance. 
Numbo Originated at Morrisville, Pennsylvania, and is a fine variety. The 
tree is a strong grower, compact, and a heavy producer. 
The nuts are large, attractive in appearance, and of good flavor. 
Highly valued in many sections where chestnuts are more extensively grown. 
Paragon ^ known among chestnut growers as one of the largest. The 
kernel is fine grained and of good quality. The tree is a strong 
vigorous, grower, of spreading habit, and a heavy producer. Highly recom¬ 
mended in all chestnut growing districts. 
Ridgely Originated in the State of Delaware; differs considerably, in its 
bearing habits, from other varieties in that it often produces two 
or three chestnuts in one burr. The nut is attractive and contains a kernel 
