The Cultivation of CitFus 



A Short Treatise with Special Reference 

 to Fertilization. 



The cultivation of citrus fruits forms an important 

 Industry as well in extensive districts of California as in 

 Florida and sections of Louisiana and Mississippi; it has 

 established itself in Hawaii and it has passed the experi- 

 mental stage in Porto Rico and elsewhere in the West Indies. 



Although successful fruit-growing is a highly remuner- 

 ative pursuit, much is required to insure success. Good judg- 

 ment, with expert knowledge, needs to be exercised in the 

 selection of soil and location, in the choice of stock and bud, 

 in the cultivation and fertilization of the grove, in the treat- 

 ment of diseases and in the picking, packing and marketing 

 of the crop. 



The variety of conditions prevailing in the wide regions 

 over which citrus fruits may be cultivated with profit, extend- 

 ing, as these do, from about 35 North Latitude on the 

 Pacific Coast of the United States to about 18 North Lati- 

 tude, or well within the Tropics, renders it impracticable 

 to lay down rules of unvarying application for their culture 

 in all districts. All that can be undertaken within the limits 

 of this brief treatise is to indicate certain principles applicable 

 to the rational practice of horticulture, wherever exercised, 

 and to make suggestions regarding soils, climatic conditions, 

 selection of varieties, suitable fertilization, methods of cul- 

 tivation, and the rest, that may afford general guidance. 



Again, although the orange may be taken as a type 

 representative of the other members of the group of citrus 

 fruits in many respects, and notably in regard to their re- 

 quirements in the matter of soils and cultural methods, 

 special treatment in certain particulars is required for the 

 profitable cultivation of lemons, limes and pomelos, and these 

 will, accordingly, be separately touched upon. 



Climatic Conditions. 



Climatic conditions must be a primary consideration 

 in the selection of a locality for fruit-growing on a commer- 

 cial scale. 



