THE MONTHLY BULLETIN. 461 



The time of plowing under will depend somewhat upon time of seeding 

 and the season— seed early and plow early should be the rule. The disc 

 plow and harrow will often be foimd preferable to the ordinary plow 

 and the cross plowing should be completed before the grove comes into 

 bloom. 



In Professor Coit's valuable book, ''Citrus Fruit," just published, I 

 find this : 



SUMMARY OF THE ADVANTAGES OF COVER CROPS. 



1. They increase the fertility of soil by the addition of humus which 

 acts as a liberator of mineral nutrients. 



2. Increase the water-holding capacity. 



3. Make the land easier to work by improving physical condition. 



4. Encourage an increa.se in number of soil bacteria. 



5. Add nitrogen directly to the soil from the air when such crops are 

 leguminous. 



6. Puncture the plow-sole with roots which decay and leave openings 

 for the admission of air and w\ater. 



7. Bring plant food up from below and leave it near the surface. 



8. Prevent excessive erosion on steep hillsides. 



9. May decrease the amount of brown rot. 



CONCLUSION. 

 It is the aim of this paper : 



1. To show the need and value of legumes as cover crops in citrus 

 culture. 



2. To arouse the citrus grower to a full investigation of, and careful 

 experimentation with cover crops, in order to secure the largest success 

 in their use. 



The citrus grower should learn the urgency of the larger use of cover 

 crops and should cooperate with State and station in disseminating the 

 results of such culture. That the value of the leguminous cover crops 

 still seems problematical with many growers only shows that the grower 

 in general lias not given the subject the stud}^' of w^iich it is worthy, 

 and which is essential if he is to reach scientific conclusions. Is it not 

 possible that the use of cover crops in citrus culture may be the deciding 

 factor in making the citrus investment a financial success ? 



The Experiment Station being founded for the good of the people 

 and being supported by them, both common sense and common weal 

 M^ould seem to dictate that the practical tests of the grower should 

 supplement the more elaborate experiments of the State, in order that 

 the results of such cooperation may be sent forth as a guide and a help 

 to the ranchers themselves. 



