The actual time of ripening of the different varieties is variable from season to season, and in different sections or even different orchards in the same season. Generally, harvesting commences early in August and closes about the middle of October. The approximate order of ripening of the better known varieties is shown in table IX. TABLE IX APPROXIMATE ORDER OF RIPENING OF VARIETIES OF ALMONDS 1. Nonpareil 2. I.X.L. Jordan 3. Ne Plus Ultra 4. Peerless Princess California King Silver 5. Golden State 6. Lewelling 7. Drake 8. Languedoc Texas Many new varieties have been originated in California but most of them have fallen into disfavor in a short time. In fact, it is impossible to locate even single trees of some varieties which were formerly well known. From time to time, however, worthy varieties have been introduced and have succeeded in making a permanent place for themselves through their ability to fill a demand that before had been but partially or poorly supplied. In view of the changing market situation for California almonds, due to the rapidly increasing acreage and the very limited demand for unshelled almonds, it is safe to predict that the only new varieties which will be of value in the future will be those that are primarily of superior quality for shelling purposes. Yield must take second place. Well known varieties are not only in heavier demand in the principal markets, but they invariably bring much better prices than the newer varieties. In some years, when the domestic crop of a given variety is light and the demand good, it is possible to unload poorer or less known varieties at fairly good prices. More often, however, they are a drag on the market. Owing to the increasing consumption of shelled almonds and the probability of a still greater increase in the future, growers should arrange future plantings with a view to supplying the best shelling varieties. At the present time, the best shelling varieties are not ordinarily the heaviest producers. With a limited production they may not even bring as large returns as the poorer but heavier yielding varieties. As the production increases, which it is doing very rapidly, the relative value of the best shelling varieties will increase in proportion and they may be sold at good prices when it will be impossible to move a heavy tonnage of a poor variety at a profitable price.