ALMOND, armfind, the tree and nut of Amygdalus commune of the family Amygdol acem, supposedly a native of the Mediterranean region and of southwestern Asia, but so long in cultivation that its origin is a matter of conjecture. In habit of grdwth the tree, which reaches a height of 20 or 30 feet, is like the peach, with which some botanists have mistakenly surmised that it was formerly identical. The hard, inedible pulp of its fruit (a drupe) splits at maturity and exposes the pit or °almond' of commerce. Varieties of almonds are classed as bitter or sweet. The former, little grown outside the Mediterranean region, furnish prus sic acid and oil of bitter almonds used in per fumery and Lulinar) preparations; the latter, grown extensively in California and southern Europe and in similar climates, furnish one of the most agreeable of nut fruits. The sweet almonds arc divided into hard- and suit-shelled varieties, the former little grown, the latter ex tensively. Some specially thin-shelled sorts are known as paper-shells. The kernels, particu larly of ,weet almonds, are rich in a mild fixed oil which is expressed for medicinal and other purposes, but the nuts are chiefly used for des sert, either directly or in some prepared form, such as confectionery.
The almond succeeds best upon light, thor oughly drained soil so situated that early frosts, which destroy the fertility of the blossoms, need not be feared. The trees, which are generally propagated by budding the desired varieties upon bitter almond seedlings, are set about 25 feet apart, different varieties that blossom simultaneously being planted in each other's proximity to cil,ure cross-pollination, self sterility being characteristic of man} varieties.
If trees are properly trained during their first three or four years they demand little severe pruning aften? ard. Cultivation does not differ materially from that of other tree-fruits. In, California the nuts are harvested from August to October, dried for several days, and if dis colored, as is often the case where the air is very humid, they are lightly -')rayed with water and then treated with sulphur fumes to bleach the shells somewhat. Nnts that are too badly discolored to respond this treatment are cracked by machinery a ci the kernels sold largely In confectioners, Because frost and self-sterility have been otten overlooked, al mond-growing in California has been remark able for failures; many orchards have been cut down for firewood. But when and where con ditions are favorable the crop is a profitable one. In 1897, 218 carloads were shipped from California; in 1912 the production was 3,000 tons. Attention has been drawn to parts of Arizona and New Mexico as probably adapted to the almond, and some orchards have been planted. About $1,000,000 worth of almonds are imported annually. The almond is some times attacked by a fungus which appears first as a yellow rust on the leaves. This often leaves the tree bare of foliage as early as 15 July. Spraying is the only remedy. See FUNGICIDES.
As an ornamental tree the almond, like the peach, is often planted even in localities unfavor able to fruit-production. But its relative, the dwarf almond (Amygdalus nano), a native of southern Russia, is hardy and is recommended as an ornamental shrub by nurserymen for northern climates.