Page:The Olive Its Culture in Theory and Practice.djvu/44

36 Second—That the form of the nut always follows that of the berry.

Third—That the form and size of the berry and nut has no influence on the quantity of oil.

Fourth—That the least fallacious indication of oiliness resides in the thickness and weight of the mesocarp.

The olives discussed are valuable for seed in the following order:

The berries most abundant in oil are as follows in order of merit:

Razzo, Grossajo, Morajolo, Mignolo, Leccino and others of the seedlings.

The California Mission olive is known to contain some inferior varieties, but the writer, at this period, is unable to specify them. On the Quito Farm the Cornicabra largely predominates over all others.

The olive requires a moderate climate, it cannot flourish in or endure extreme heat or great cold. Its zone of cultivation lies between forty-five and eighteen degrees north latitude, and a corresponding belt in the Southern Hemisphere, outside of either of these extremes the tree may possibly live, but will refuse to give any fruit. Indeed, south of eighteen degrees in north Africa it attains a luxurious growth, but only fruits where it enjoys the caressing