artificially. 'Phis may be done by bandaging the stems with bagging, 

 matting, straw, grass, rushes, or any other material that will answer 

 the purpose. One of the best mediums for the purpose is strips of 

 bark taken from young k ' gum " or " wattle '" saplings, which, when 

 placed round the stems, require no tying, and oft'er the advantage of 

 being easily obtained in most localities. Cultivators should, however, 

 bear in mind that though stem wrappings are a great protection to 

 young trees during the hot season, yet they must be removed as so<m 

 as the power of the sun decreases in the autumn. It is essential that 

 the bark of the the stem should have the full benefit of exposure to 

 air and light for the greater part of the year in order that it may 

 perform its functions properly. When the bark is badly discoloured 

 it is a good plan to carefully cut out the affected parts and graft into 

 their places healthy pieces. By adopting this plan the evil will 

 often be effectually cured. In this, however, as with other complaints 

 that can he avoided, prevention is always better than cure. 



GATHKKIXG, STORING, AND PACKIXC. 



Oranges. In gathering Oranges care should be taken not to injure 

 the fruit in handling, as the slightest bruise or scratch will cause 

 early decay. The fruit hangs very tight to the stems, and when 

 required for keeping or shipping ought to be cut and not pulled. 

 Fruit that has to find a local market may be allowed to get fully ripe 

 upon the trees, but if required for shipment it should be gathered 

 just as it begins to turn colour. Fruit should never be picked for 

 packing while wet with rain or dew, and any that are imperfect 

 ought to be rejected. It will be advisable to delay packing for two 

 or three days after the fruit is gathered to get rid of some of the 

 moisture in the rind, as when slightly dried the Oranges pack closer 

 and better, and are more likely to arrive at their destination in 

 prime condition. The boxes should be uniform in size, and so 

 constructed as to permit free ventilation. Each box should contain 

 fruit that is perfectly even in quality, and the number ought to be 

 marked upon the case. The safest way of packing for shipping long 

 distances is to wrap each fruit singly in tissue paper. The boxes 

 should be tilled sufficiently to require a gentle pressure in nailing 

 on the tops, taking care, however, not to bruise the fruit. Fruit in 

 transit requires an even temperature, and if subjected to extremes 

 of heat and cold is liable to spoil, notwithstanding all care in gathering 

 and packing. As a, matter of course, when the fruit is required for 

 local markets less attention is necessary, but still care in gathering, 

 sorting, and packing will generally pay growers. 



Lemons. As regards Lemons, the same directions will apply as 

 given for Oranges, so far as regards care in gathering and handling, 

 in order to prevent bruising* or otherwise injuring the fruit. Lemons, 

 unlike Oranges, should not be allowed to ripen upon the trees, as 

 when allowed to do so the skin increases in thickness and puffiiiess, 

 while, on the other hand, the quantity of juice decreases in proportion. 

 The economical requirements in Lemons are thin rinds with a small 



