12 



Prior to the low temperature in February, 1917, 

 warm weather prevailed for sometime and the trees 

 were in a sappy condition at the time of the low tem- 

 perature (15 degrees above zero). From the effects 

 of the low temperature the trees were completely de- 

 foliated except in a few instances where the trees were 

 very vigorous because of proper cultivation and ferti- 

 lization. 



Prior to the low temperature (March 5, 1917) the 

 warm weather had caused the trees to put forth a vig- 

 orous growth. This, together with the devitalization, 

 caused by the November and February injuries, was 

 mainly responsible for the losses at this particular time. 



Defoliation took place practically everywhere, but 

 killing occurred only on improper sites as described 

 in the foregoing paragraphs and where improper cul- 

 tivation and fertilization had been practiced the pre- 

 vious season. 



According to the Government Local Weather Station 

 at Bay Minette, Ala., the lowest temperature during 

 the month of November, 1916, occurred on the 16th, 

 the thermometer showing 27 degrees above zero. On 

 February 3rd, 1917, the thermometer showed 15 de- 

 grees above zero and on March 5th, 1917, it showed 26 

 degrees above. 



During the month of December, 1917, the tempera- 

 ture w^ent down to 17 degrees above zero. This low 

 temperature however caused no damage to the orange 

 trees in Alabama because comparatively cold weather 

 had prevailed for at least two weeks prior to this low 

 temperature, causing the trees to become thoroughly 

 dormant. In some orchards we find partial defolia- 

 tion as a result of this low temperature; in others no 

 defoliation is noticeable. This cinference is due to cul- 

 tivation and fertilization. The orchards well cultivat- 

 ed and fertilized being more vigorous showed no effect 

 from the cold whatever. (See comparative photo- 

 graphs on Plates I and III.) 



