506 



THE DICTIONARY OF GARDENING, 



Orange continued. 



the necessity of much pruning or training, merely the 

 shortening of branches that are inclined to take a lead 

 at the first, or in any year, at spring time, being 

 usually all that is necessary to keep the plants com- 

 pact. Those grown in large tubs are most frequently 

 trained as standards, and the more cutting or pinching 

 of the points is practised, the thicker do the heads 

 become, and, withal, the more formal. If a free growth 

 is allowed, and not much training attempted, the natural 

 habit has, in consequence, a much better chance of 

 development. 



So far reference has only been made to Oranges cul- 

 tivated in tubs or pots for ornamental purposes, or for 



FIG. 758. FLOWERING BRANCHLET OF COMMON ORANGE. 



the use of their sprays of fragrant blossoms (see Fig. 

 758) for personal or other decorations. The Orange is, 

 however, worthy of much more attention than it at 

 present receives, by way of cultivation under glass, with 

 a view to the production of home-grown fruits. The 

 excellence and superiority of any fruit that is allowed 

 to become properly ripened before being gathered from 

 the tree, over that which has to be procured and packed, 

 with a view to the ripening process being completed 

 afterwards, is well known in respect of English fruit 

 productions generally; and Oranges are not exceptions 

 to this rule. Anyone who has tasted home-grown Oranges, 

 from trees that have received proper treatment in heated 

 houses, will be well aware of the superior flavour they 

 possess over nearly all those introduced from abroad. 

 Good varieties are of importance, but these are pro- 

 curable, at least in a sufficient number for all that is 

 required. Although, in Britain, Oranges for fruit produc- 

 tion cannot be grown in sufficient quantity to com- 

 pete with countries where the trees grow freely out- 

 side, yet it is strange, considering the excellent quality 

 of the fruit when properly cultivated, to what an ex- 

 tent the trees are neglected in this respect in the great 

 majority of English gardens, even in those where almost 

 every other important kind of fruit is represented. Many, 

 perhaps the majority, of the imported Oranges are 

 gathered when only partially ripe, or even when quite 

 green ; and they have, consequently, to ripen and change 

 colour afterwards. This takes place, in great part, after 

 they are packed for exportation, and during their voyage 

 to various parts of the world. 



Orange continued. 



Oranges cannot be grown to perfection in dark, slate- 

 roofed houses, such as those built in former days specially 

 for their reception, and to which reference has already 

 been made. They are best suited by being grown in 

 pots, or planted inside a span-roofed, heated, glass struc- 

 ture of considerable size, with sashes round the sides 

 for the admission of plenty of light. According to the size 

 of house and trees already at command, or of those it 

 is intended to establish, the interior must be arranged, 

 and beds provided, either for plunging pots in or for 

 planting out the trees. A path may be made through 

 the centre, with beds on either side ; or the reverse plan 

 may be adopted, and greater height obtained in conse- 

 quence. Oranges are greatly benefited by bottom heat, 

 although it is not an absolute necessity for their suc- 

 cessful cultivation as fruit-trees. If the trees are grown 

 in pots, these can be plunged in tan, slowly decaying 

 leaves, or similar material, which may be used alone, or 

 in conjunction with hot- water pipes ; but, if planted out, 

 heat will be best applied by constructing a chamber 

 beneath the beds, through which pipes might pass. The 

 latter should be thoroughly under control, by means of 

 valves for regulating or entirely stopping heat. There is 

 always a danger of the soil surrounding such chambers 

 becoming unduly dry, and injury thereby caused to 

 to the trees. This must specially be guarded against 

 by strict examinations occasionally, and the applica- 

 tion of additional supplies of water should be made 

 over and above that required in other parts of the bed. 

 Efficient drainage is of the utmost importance ; from 

 Gin. to 9in. of broken bricks will not be too much for 

 beds, which should also be provided with a drain to 



FIG. 759. FRUITING BRANCH OF COMMON ORANGE. 



carry away the water ; pots or tubs must have a quantity 

 of crocks placed in them proportionate to their size. 

 Loam which has been stacked a sufficient time to kill 

 the grass is recommended for use in a large propor- 

 tion; a little well-rotted manure may be added, but 

 fruit-trees generally are better provided for by a manure, 

 such as crushed bones, which is calculated to decay 

 slowly, and, consequently, supply nutriment for a long 

 time. Some sharp sand, burnt ballast, or mortar rubbish 

 must be freely incorporated, to keep the whole bulk in 

 an open, satisfactory condition. For the proper cul- 

 tivation of Oranges in beds, a compost of this descrip- 

 tion should be used to the depth of from about 18in. to 

 24in. ; and a similar mixture will be equally well suited 



