6i 



76 Joiir)ial of Agriculture , Yicioria. [10 June, 191 i. 



along in this way. A little help and care, when the trees are young, 

 go a long way towards making a strong sturdy citrus grove ; especially 

 seeing that, as they are evergreen trees, there will be a great amount of 

 weakening transpiration from the foliage every day. 



Trees of the citrus family are very susceptible to frost, particularly 

 when young ; and, if the grove is planted in regions where frosts are at 

 all frequent, it will be necessary to protect the young trees for two or 

 three seasons in frosty weather, with canvas or bagging. One severe frost 

 will kill a young tree, and it is very necessary to take all precautions 

 to prevent the tree being burned or checked in any way by frosts. Ever- 

 green trees, when planted out in spring or summer, require far more 

 watchful care and attention than do deciduous trees which are planted in 

 the winter. A good watchful oversight of the young plantation, helping 

 on any weaklings t)y syringing with water in warm weather, hoeing the 

 surface soil, an occasional watering, or pinching back unduly prominent 

 growths, according to the want of the young tree, will repay the operator 

 handsomely, and with good success. 



The question of inter-crops has now to be considered. It will probably 

 bi.: desired that the land shall be immediately reproductive, the planter 

 not wishing to wait for revenue until the grove comes into- bearing. A 

 system of planting other crops between the rows may be judiciously carried 

 out; and while the inter-crop will bring in an immediate result, the work 

 may be done so as to help and improve the plantation. For the first 

 year, the inter-crop may be kept only a few feet away from the young 

 trees, but the distance must be increased as time advances. 



The .soil must always be kept well stirred ; cultivation must be as com- 

 plete as if there were no inter-crop, and all weeds should be rigorously 

 excluded. The cultivation, as well as the manuring of the inter-crop, will 

 be of great value to the soil. The kind of crop thus grown will be de- 

 pendent upon the season. All classes of vegetables may be used as inter- 

 crops ; tomatoes, onions, potatoes, &c., all do well. Strawberries, 

 gooseberries, and currants are also payable fruits to grow, provided the 

 climate is suitable. Pumpkins, beans, peas, cabbages, cauliflowers, lettuces. 

 and melons may be utilized, if the soil and the markets are satisfactory. 

 A good payable winter crop could be grown from rhubarb. The refuse 

 of these crops will be very valuable as future food for the trees if it be 

 dug into the soil. 



Cultivation and Irrigation. 



Trees of the citrus family are generally shallow rooters or surface 

 feeders ; hence, it was urged that, before planting, the soil be well worked 

 and re-worked, so as to assist deep rooting. In cultivating the surface 

 after planting, it will be a matter of urgency that as little damage as pos- 

 sible be done to the root system. Some growers prefer to carry on without 

 any cultivation system at all, merely harrowing the surface lightly, and 

 top-dressing the grove with fresh soil each year. This system will not 

 become universal, as fre.sh soil is generally most difficult to obtain ; still, 

 where possible, it is a most excellent method of renovating and improving 

 citrus soil. Sand dressings are also advantageous; and gutter or creek 

 sand, or any washed sand, will always tend to improve the soil, lightening 

 and opening its texture. Surface cultivation, in the absence of these sys- 

 tems, will always be a necessity ; but, whatever method be adopted, the 

 roots must not be cut or mutilated. 



