34 



and yet, there has been no unusual drowth, nor has there 

 been a lack of moisture, especially during the mouths of 

 September, October and November. Many oranges have 

 split and fell all through the season, even up to late in 

 November, and it has been noticed that trees standing on 

 low ground, where plenty of moisture was always at hand, 

 have been affected equally with those growing on high, dry 

 soil. Our observations leads to the belief that the cau.se of 

 splitting of the orange is not well understood, and that the 

 theory generally accepted has but little foundation in fact 

 More light on this important subject is desirable, and we 

 hope more attention will be given the subject in the future, 

 and that the cause and the cure may be fully ascertained. 

 Many thousands of oranges are lost every year by this 

 strange, unnatural phenomenon. 



INSECTS. 



There are many insects which are more or less injuri* 

 ous to the welfare and successful cultivation of an orange 

 grove. Among the many, the grasshopper plays a conspic- 

 uous part. They exist in countless thousands, and live by 

 devouring the leaves of the trees, and young succulent 

 shoots. There are several varieties which prey upon the 

 leaves; but perhaps the meanest of all the tribe is the 

 green, flying insect, commonly known as the Katy-did. 

 These creatures will destroy and mutilate about as 

 great an amount of leaves as the silk worm, and accom- 

 plish the task in an incredible short space of time. The 

 common brown grasshoppers are also numerous, but not so 

 ravenous as the Katys. 



The only effectual remedy are the birds and a flock of 

 fowls. These useful helps are to be highly commended, and 

 should receive every encouragement to do their duty, by 



