688 REPORT OF THE COMMISSIONER OF AGRICULTURE. 



orange trees in places where the products were typical of the best 

 results of the region, resulted in the conviction that the superiority 

 of the fruit was, j)rimarily, owing to the sheltered and shaded posi- 

 tion of the trees. The soil in which they are growing does not differ 

 greatly from that in many parts of the State, although it contains a 

 larger proportion of organic matter than can be found in numerous 

 locations where orange trees are planted, but even when this defi- 

 ciency is supplied on lands openly exj^osed to sun and winds, the 

 products will not generally compare favorably with those from shel- 

 tered groves; so that the conclusion seems clear that the superior 

 quality of the fruit is owing to the fact that the trees producing are 

 afforded an ample degree of shade and protection. It may further 

 be jjresumed that, in any part of the orange belt or climate where 

 the trees are similarly sheltered, fruits may be produced equally good 

 in every particular. 



In passing through the country the effects of shelter, especially on 

 young trees, is everyAvhere apparent. It might truthfully be stated 

 that the best looking young groves are those which are best pro- 

 tected. 



As the trees increase in height and expanse, they will, in a certain 

 degree, shelter each other, and so far as they shade the ground and 

 break the force of drying winds so far will evaporation of moisture 

 be reduced; but a recognition of all the facts pertaining to the growth, 

 of the orange would tend to the conclusion that the trees would be 

 benefited by being well sheltered, if not also partially shaded, no 

 matter what their age may be. 



What might well be termed conclusive evidence on this point is 

 afforded by the localities in which the sour or bitter orange nas be- 

 come naturalized. This plant asserts itself as an example of the 

 "survival of the fittest" of the Citrus family in this State, under 

 strictly natural conditions of propagation and growth. 



There are, throughout parts of Florida, extensive tracts of rather 

 low lands, where the palmetto abounds and flourishes, interspersed 

 with a variety of oaks and undergrowths. Here also is found the so- 

 called wild or sour orange, luxuriating in and forming a part of 

 the dense thickets, nourished by a soil rich in organic matter, and 

 sometimes growing in places where their roots are covered with water 

 for weeks at a time. 



Some of the most valuable orange groves in the State have been 

 formed by a partial clearing out of these thickets, removing the tops 

 of the wild orange trees, and budding the plants with the best vari- 

 eties of sweet oranges. Looking into these semi-naturalized groves 

 we ol)serve an indiscriminate assemblage of orange trees and tall 

 j)almettos, the latter towering above tlie former, which give evidence 

 by the vivid color of their leaves and the brightness of their fruits 

 that they enjoy the sliade and protection thus aft'orded them. The 

 fruit from th(>-se groves is noted for fine a],ipearance and quality, and 

 if iritermixed with "Indian River" oraiiges, the task of separating 

 thorn would be ditficnlt, if not impracticable. 



TJie comparative fi-oedom from rust on the fruit produced in groves 

 Avhere the trees are afforded protection is Avorthy of special notice. 

 It is attributed to the ravages of a minute insect, I: ut I find that 

 many persons are undecided as to wliother the insect is a cause or 

 only a consequen(;e of a diseased condition which has been produced 

 by other influences. 



If we now direct our attention to thousands of acres of young 



