July IS. 1919 Relation between the Flowers mid Fruits of the Lemon 1 65 



These figures show that, upon the trees observed, a fruit set in one 

 of the spring months had the best chance of survival and of reaching 

 maturity. The chance of reaching maturity diminished as the seasons 

 advanced until the next spring. On the other trees or in other localities 

 the chances of survival might be quite different. 



SUMMARY 



(i) A small group of Lisbon lemon trees was studied for two years 

 to obtain data upon their fruiting habits. The trees stood in a large 

 commercial orchard and received no special treatment during the time 

 observations were being made. 



(2) Approximately 66 per cent of the fruit buds appeared during 

 March and April, 13 per cent appeared in November, 17 per cent appeared 

 between April and November, and about 3 per cent appeared during 

 the winter months. 



(3) The distribution of buds on an inflorescence showed no tendency 

 to follow the normal curve of errors. Few-flowered inflorescences pre- 

 dominated numerically over many-flowered inflorescences. A bud on a 

 small inflorescence had a greater chance of developing into a mature 

 fruit than one on a large inflorescence. The competition between indi- 

 vidual buds on larger inflorescences seems to be too severe to allow all 

 to survive. 



(4) The time required for the fruit to reach maturity varied from 7 

 to 14 months, according to conditions. Fruit which was set in May, 

 June, and July came soonest to maturity. The season at which fruit 

 was set appeared to influence, but not wholly to determine, the time 

 which was required for maturity. 



(5) The records for 4,440 buds showed that 51.98 per cent set fruit, 

 21.71 per cent reached a diameter of X inch, and 6.62 per cent reached 

 the stage of maturity. 



(6) A fruit set in the spring months had the best chance of survival 

 and of reaching maturity. The chances of reaching maturity diminished 

 as the season advanced. 



