52 JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURE OF P. R. 



WIND PROTECTION. 



Wind protection is likewise necessary, since a constant sweep of 

 the wind such as occurs in Porto Rico prevents proper growth, and 

 by favoring the increase of the scale insects paves the way for the 

 anthracnose fungus, and other fungi of a similar' nature which at- 

 tack dying or unhealthy tissues. There is also a direct loss, where 

 proper wind protection is lacking, through scarring, thorn punctur- 

 ing, and dropping of the fruit. 



Although wind protection is essential, it can nevertheless bt' 

 overdone, or be carried out in such manner as to be harmful. It 

 is a common observation that the use of bamboo means the complete 

 loss of at least two rows of trees, and that from three to four more 

 are influenced to the extent that they grow slowly, are misshapen,' 

 produce small crops of fruit, and have a decided tendency to with- 

 ertip, or a dying back of the crown. This is produced by both the 

 e.ffect of the excessive shading and the strong root development of 

 the bamboo. Ditches sufficiently deep to cut off the roots of the 

 latter are required, and lines should be put in only at such distances 

 as are necessary. In many 'places, at least every other line can be 

 cut out without harm resulting, and w4th a saving of at least tliree 

 rows of trees. 



To some extent at least windbreaks, by producing quiet, humid 

 conditions, aid in the spread and development of certain diseases, 

 notably scab. This does not by any means make it desirable to 

 abandon all breaks, but only to eliminate such as are unnecessary. 



The ideal windbreak would be one of the leguminous trees, such 

 as the guava ijnga vera), which are used for coffee shade. As tem- 

 porary breaks the gandul {Cajanus indicus), the gallito (Agati 

 grandiftora), and other shrubby plants are used. The second one 

 named has given most excellent results, and it is especially recom- 

 mended, being particularly free of diseases. The gandul, so generally 

 used, is subject to a number of diseases, and is suspected of harboring 

 several citrus maladies. Care sliould be taken to ronio\'e the plants 

 of this species at maturity, when used for windbreak. 



FERTILIZATION AND LIMING. 



Fertilization, like cultivation, has an indirect though important 

 bearing on the subject of disease or unthriftiness in tlie grove. It 

 is well known also that the kind and quantity of fertilizer used has 

 a direct influence on the quality of fruit produced, excessive nitrogen 

 for example, tending to produce large, tliick-skinned, puffy fruit. 



