83 



The removal of the soil from the roots was suggested for 12 to 

 1 8 inches from the stem ; if that is not sufficient to stop growth, I 

 would remove the soil to a greater extent, but then comes in the 

 question of expense and whether it would pay to do so. 



Forking round the extremities of tlie root system was also sug- 

 gested ; this should be done in such a way that the roots would be 

 carefully cut baclc, so limiting root action. 



These two methods of checking nutrition are not only effective 

 for that purpose, but they conduce to greater vigour. 



Opening up the main portion of the roots near the stem aerates 

 and dries the soil all round, checks any tendency to foot-rot, and 

 prevents attacks there by grubs. Shortening back the roots leads 

 later on to extensive branching and development of the roots, 

 especially as the ground has been loosened in the direction of 

 growth. 



I am, etc., 



W. Fawcett. 



Dr. Tillman has kindly contributed the following account of the 

 methods adopted in his Orange Grove, which is a model for cul- 

 tivators. 



Dr. Tillman to the Director of Public Gardens. 



Camden Grove, Race Course, P.O. Jamaica, 



lOth March, 1906. 

 Dear Sir, 



In reply to yours of the 28th December, I beg to enclose here- 

 with, a/c sales of fruit sold in December ; and you will see that 

 the prices range from 8/ to 9/ per box. It cost 6/ to place a box 

 of oranges on the market, including everything— capital paying 

 prices for that time of year. 



During August I got 15/ to 16/ ; September, 14/ and 14/3 ; Octo- 

 ber, 11/ to 12/, and November, 10/ to ll/. You must pardon my 

 not answering before, as I had to wait for the last a/c sales, and 

 they did not come to me until end of last month. 



Re my efforts to obtain early fruit: Immediately after the 

 October seasons will permit, I pick off all fruit, say early in No- 

 vember, and start ploughing with two pony ploughs, up and down 

 each side of the intervals, between the trees ; making three cuts on 

 each side, about three inches deep — the first cut being made 

 directly under the extreme end of the outside of the lateral 

 branches. "■ • 



The same cuts are made by the other plough, the other way of 

 the interval, so that the fine terminals of the surface roots are 

 sliced through on each of the four sides of the trees that is pruned. 

 The whole interval is not ploughed or close ploughed, for the 

 reason that I would not be able to do the whole 32 acres quickly 

 enough. 



As soon as each interval has had three cuts made both sides, all 

 over the cultivation, then the ploughs are allowed to plough 



