506 
THE DICTIONARY OF GARDENING, 
Orange—continued. 
the necessity of much pruning or training, merely the 
shortening of branches that are inclined to take a lead 
at the first, or in any year, at spring time, being 
usually all that is necessary to keep the plants com- 
pact. Those grown in large tubs are most frequently 
trained as standards, and the more cutting or pinching 
of the points is practised, the thicker do the heads 
become, and, withal, the more formal. If a free growth 
is allowed, and not much training attempted, the natural 
habit has, in consequence, a much better chance of 
development. 
So far reference has only been made to Oranges cul- 
tivated in tubs or pots for ornamental purposes, or for 
Fig, 758. FLOWERING BRANCHLET OF COMMON ORANGE. 
the use of their sprays of fragrant blossoms (see Fig. 
758) for personal or other decorations. The Orange is, 
however, worthy of much more attention than it at 
present receives, by way of cultivation under glass, with 
a view to the production of home-grown fruits. The 
excellence and superiority of any fruit that is allowed 
to become properly ripened before being gathered from 
the tree, over that which has to be procured and packed, 
with a view to the ripening process being completed 
afterwards, is well known in respect of English fruit 
productions generally; and Oranges are not exceptions 
to this rule. Anyone who has tasted home-grown Oranges, 
from trees that have received proper treatment in heated 
houses, will be well aware of the superior flavour they 
possess over nearly all those introduced from abroad. 
Good varieties are of importance, but these are pro- 
curable, at least in a sufficient number for all that is 
required. Although, in Britain, Oranges for fruit produc- 
tion cannot be grown in sufficient quantity to com- 
pete with countries where the trees grow freely out- 
side, yet it is strange, considering the excellent quality 
of the fruit when properly cultivated, to what an ex- 
tent the trees are neglected in this respect in the great 
majority of English gardens, even in those where almost 
every other important kind of fruit is represented. Many, 
perhaps the majority, of the imported Oranges are 
gathered when only partially ripe, or even when quite 
green; and they have, consequently, to ripen and change 
colour afterwards. This takes place, in great part, after 
they are packed for exportation, and during their voyage 
to various parts of the world. 
Orange—continued. 
Oranges cannot be grown to perfection in dark, slate- 
roofed houses, such as those built in former days specially 
for their reception, and to which reference has already 
been made. They are best suited by being grown in 
pots, or planted inside a span-roofed, heated, glass struc- 
ture of considerable size, with sashes round the sides 
for the admission of plenty of light. According to the size 
of house and trees already at command, or of those it 
is intended to establish, the interior must be arranged, 
and beds provided, either for plunging pots in or for 
planting out the trees. A path may be made through 
the centre, with beds on either side; or the reverse plan 
may be adopted, and greater height obtained in conse- 
quence. Oranges are greatly benefited by bottom heat, 
although it is not an absolute necessity for their suc- 
cessful cultivation as fruit-trees. If the trees are grown 
in pots, these can be plunged in tan, slowly decaying 
leaves, or similar material, which may be used alone, or 
in conjunction with hot-water pipes; but, if planted out, 
heat will be best applied by constructing a chamber 
beneath the beds, through which pipes might pass. The 
latter should be thoroughly under control, by means of 
valves for regulating or entirely stopping heat. There is 
always a danger of the soil surrounding such chambers 
becoming unduly dry, and injury thereby caused to 
to the trees. This must specially be guarded against 
by strict examinations occasionally, and the applica- 
tion of additional supplies of water should be made 
over and above that required in other parts of the bed. 
Efficient drainage is of the utmost importance; from 
Gin. to 9in. of broken bricks will not be too much for 
beds, which should also be provided with a drain to 
Fig. 759. FRUITING BRANCH OF COMMON ORANGE. 
carry away the water; pots or tubs must have a quanti 
of orooks placed in them proportionate to their pd 
3 which has been stacked a sufficient time to kill 
e grass is recommended for use in a large 
tion; a little well-rotted manure may be 2 1 
fruit-trees generally are better provided for by a manure, 
such as crushed bones, which is calculated to decay 
slowly, and, consequently, supply nutriment for a long 
time. Some sharp sand, burnt ballast, or mortar rubbish _ 
must be freely incorporated, to keep the whole bulk in 
an open, satisfactory condition. For the proper cul- 
tivation of Oranges in beds, a compost of this descrip- 
tion should be used to the depth of from about 18in. to- 
24in.; and a similar mixture will be equally well suited 
