OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA. 4G5 



per cent., and was only excelled in this particular by one other speci- 

 men — Mr. Garcelon's seedling — against which inferior size is urged. 

 The four Lisbons tested showed an average of over 7.8 per cent., 

 Avhile the average of the other eight was about 7.9; and if you take 

 from the eight the little " Knobby " alluded to, with its high percent- 

 age of acid, the percentage of the remainder drops to only a little 

 over 7.5. When we come to the amount of citric acid, it is shown 

 that the Lisbons averaged .82 of a dram, against .65 of a dram of the 

 four next highest. Isn't this report, then, conclusively favorable to 

 the Lisbon on these three points ? I have been led to dwell upon 

 this matter because I have not been able to understand why our 

 horticultural writers seemed so inclined to pass this variety by as 

 only an average sort. It seems to me that the Lisbon, without 

 further controversy, should be placed upon the list of entirely satis- 

 factory varieties. Just as, in the case of the orange, we no longer 

 argue the desirableness of the Navel, Du Roi, Konah, Malta Blood 

 (true), Mediterranean Sweet, etc., for each has established itself as a 

 standard sort, with characteristics peculiar to itself. I would place 

 the Lisbon in the list of lemons about where the Konah is among 

 the oranges; and more desirable varieties have yet to be discovered. 

 If the Konah were a thornless tree, I would about as lief plant it as 

 any orange we have, for it will fruit as soon as it has size to warrant 

 bearing; but it has not been so popular as the thornless varieties, 

 and I presume the same objection may, to some extent, prevent the 

 planting of the Lisbon lemon. I wonder' a little that most of the 

 objections raised at the thorny character of the Lisbon come from 

 those who reside in sections where, we have the assurance of honor- 

 able men, the wind never — or "hardly ever" — blows. 



For a stock upon which to bud the lemon I decidedly prefer the 

 orange. The Sicily seedling seems to impress a rough character upon 

 the skin, at least where the stock is of a coarse habit. Tlie China 

 lemon root I have no complaint to make against so far as the fruit is 

 concerned; indeed, I know the fruit raised upon it is superior; but a 

 great many of the roots have failed to sustain the trees where the top 

 had become of considerable size. Have not had experience with the 

 lime, but have found it capable of recovering after once being affected 

 wuth gum disease, as in the case of the orange, and therefore think it 

 a desirable root to bud on. 



In pruning— at least in a country like this, where we are certain to 

 have more or less heavy winds during a portion of the winter — the 

 tree must be formed low. Indeed, I think Riverside people are set- 

 tling down to the opinion that very little pruning will answer for the 

 lemon, and tliat it is better to shorten in branches at the top of the 

 tree rather than to follow the method formerly more generally prac- 

 ticed of pruning high enough to allow a horse to be driven under the 

 branches in plowing. 



In regard to irrigating the lemon I have only this to say: Tliat I 

 think, in our soil, at least, it requires a more frequent irrigating than 

 the orange. When the lemons are throwing out signals of thirst the 

 orange will be looking its best. I do not believe water ever should 

 run within two or three feet of the trunk, but should run long 

 enough to wet down deep, and to be followed by a good thorougli 

 cultivation. Have always accepted the theory that the lemon did 

 not need much water, but I am satisfied that had I irrigated them 

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