64 . 
Theodore Payne, Seedsman and Nurseryman 
Avocado or Alligator Pear 
The coming Tropical Fruit for Southern California, destined 
to become the most profitable of all the orchard crops 
Avocado. (Persea gratissima.) “Alligator Pear.” “Aquacate.” 
This splendid tropical fruit has attracted much attention of 
late in Southern California since it has been found that it can 
be grown successfully in sections where the orange and lemon 
thrive. It will, no doubt, be planted on a large scale, and be¬ 
come one of the best paying orchard crops. The trees now 
bearing have yielded high returns, many of them netting the 
owner from $100 to $200 per tree, and in one case $400 for 
one season’s crop. It is the most wholesome and nutritious of 
all fruits, and in countries where grown extensively is a staple 
article of food. On account of the limited number of trees now 
bearing in California the fruit commands a very high price, 
good specimens selling as high as 7 5c each, and consequently 
only enjoyed by the more wealthy classes. Being as easy to 
grow as other fruit crops it will without doubt be planted on a 
large scale, the prices of the fruit will necessarily be lower but 
will be within the reach of everyone, and it will become a staple 
article of food. As the fruit stands shipping well the market 
is almost unlimited, and it is destined to become one of the best 
paying fruit crops for Southern California. The tree is of 
rapid growth, and particularly handsome with large, deep green 
leaves. It succeeds best in a deep loamy soil and attains a 
height of from 20 to 40 feet. 
Fruit of the Avocado 
BUDDED TREES 
Ganter. Fruit oval to oblong, thick skin of greenish color; 
of good quality and fine flavor. The fruits weigh from 8 to 
10 ounces each. The tree is a vigorous grower and a prolific 
bearer. Ripens September to December. Balled or boxed, 3 
to 4 feet, each $4.00. 
Harmon. This is one of the hardiest varieties and is highly 
recommended for the home garden, especially in sections sub¬ 
ject to frost. The fruit is smooth, light glossy-green washed 
with reddish purple and with large yellow dots; flesh greenish- 
yellow and of a rich nutty flavor. Ripens in October and 
November. Balled or boxed, 3 to 4 feet, each $3.00. 
Northrup. Fruit pear-shaped, of medium size; weight 7 to 
9 ounces. Flesh of fine texture, good quality and flavor. Thin 
skin of a purplish color. The main crop is produced from 
October to December. The trees also produce a second and 
lighter crop from April to June. The hardiest variety grown. 
Balled or boxed, 3 to 4 feet, each $3.50. 
Taft. Considered by many the best Avocado yet introduced. 
Fruit pear-shaped, weighing about 1 pound. Flesh fine grained 
and of a remarkably rich nutty flavor. The tree is of vigorous 
growth with a large spreading top and is a good bearer. Ripens 
June to August. Balled or boxed, 3 to 4 feet, each $4.00. 
SEEDLING TREES 
Seedlings. Raised from seed of the ordinary smatl fruited 
types. In pots 1 to 1 % feet. Each 50c; 100, $40.00. 
Selected Seedlings. Raised from seed taken from very large 
imported fruit. Boxed, 2 to 3 feet. Each $1.00. 
Four-year-old Budded Avocado Tree 
