NEW GUIDE TO ORANGE CULTURE. 



Diseases and Insects. Trees planted correctly, and kept in a healthy, vigor- 

 ous condition by proper cultivation and management, will not suffer seri- 

 ously from insects nor be liable to disease. The most common and perni- 

 cious disease that effects the orange tree is known as the ' ' die-back. " There 

 are many forms and modifications of this disease, produced, perhaps, in as 

 many different ways. Whatever may be its specific character, its causes 

 are apparent and the prevention easy. Deep planting, disturbing the roots 

 by plowing, a soil saturated with water, " hard-pan" or quicksand subsoil 

 in contact with the roots, and the application of partially decayed nitrogen- 

 ous fertilizers, are all prolific sources of this disease. Where the trees are 

 planted too deep, or the fault is in the soil beyond remedy by drainage, the 

 trees must be raised or moved. In all other cases the trees will speedily 

 recover on the removal of the immediate cause. The most formidable 

 insect enemy of the orange is the scale insect. It seldom attacks vigorous 

 healthy trees, and its ravages need not be feared where the trees are in good 

 condition. The application of strong soap-suds is the most efficient means 

 of removing them ; whale-oil soap is preferable for this purpose. 



