The This method consists of running a plough to a depth of a 

 Cultivation of OQt or eyen more j n faj.^ furrows, between the rows. 

 Citrus Fruits XTT , , . i- j i r 

 When the water is applied in such furrows, a team can be 



driven along the dry strips of land between them, and with a 

 harrow or other appliances the dry soil can be dragged into 

 the wet furrows immediately after the irrigation water is 

 turned off, and evaporation be thus lessened. The surface 

 soil is kept comparatively dry by this method and there is 

 nothing to attract root-growth to the surface. 



Cultivation. 



The main objects of cultivation, using the term in its 

 widest sense, are two: Winter cultivation for moisture re- 

 ception, and summer cultivation for moisture retention. The 

 securing of these objects underlies the use whether of the 

 plough or of the various kinds of harrows and cultivators. 



The orange requires good, clean tillage. If weeds and 

 grass are allowed to occupy the ground the grove will suffer. 

 The plantation should be ploughed at least once a year, 

 immediately after the crop is gathered. 



Distinct advantage will be found in varying the depth 

 of tillage from year to year say eight inches, twelve inches, 

 ten inches, fourteen inches, and then eight inches again ; by 

 this method what is known as "plow sole", or "hard pan", a 

 hard and impervious layer of soil which forms when the land 

 is continuously cultivated to the same depth, will be avoided. 



Tillage should follow irrigation as soon as the land is 

 dry enough to admit of it. 



Pruning. 



Orange and other citrus trees, except the lemon, re- 

 quire little pruning after the head has been properly formed. 

 It is of great importance that the tree be given a proper shape 

 by judicious pruning and pinching during the first years of 

 its orchard life. The aim should be to secure a low-headed, 

 symmetrical tree, of upright growth, covered with a compact, 

 but not crowded, wall of foliage. Dead twigs in the fruit- 

 bearing area should be removed and all dead branches in the 

 interior of the tree be cut out. 



