CALIFORNIA CITRUS CULTURE. 13 



is it .to secure the buds of trees that invariably produce more gen- 

 erously of fruit of rare excellence. Such a course would almost 

 certainly result in producing a phenomenal orchard, for it is a well 

 known law of nature that "like produces like." There may be ex- 

 ceptions, but these only prove the rule. (See article by A. D. Shamel 

 in August, 1912, The Monthly Bulletin, California Horticultural Com- 

 mission.) The trees in transplanting must be dug from the nursery 

 so as to disturb the root system as little as possible. They should 

 be balled, kept moist, and planted out with the least possible delay. 

 In setting, the earth should be firmed about the roots when practicable, 

 by use of water, and if the planting is done in early spring (I have 

 had satisfactory results in planting in February, though most prefer 

 May and June) we are quite sure to have excellent success, if our 

 subsequent care is what it should be. If the earth keeps cold, plant- 

 ing may be deferred even to late summer. It is best to cut back to 

 preserve the balance between roots and top. As this work is so vital 

 to success, I will discuss it more in detail. 



PLANTING THE ORCHARD. 



As before stated, the land prior to planting should be thoroughly 

 prepared. This means that it should be deeply and thoroughly cul- 

 tivated, well enriched by previous cover crops plowed under or by use 

 of stable fertilizer, at least ten big loads to the acre. In a virgin soil 

 manure may be safely deferred for two or three years. The ground 

 should also be leveled and graded to perfection, as this will save 

 immensely in labor and peace of mind in the future care of the orchard. 

 A uniform grade is desirable with a minimum of one per cent fall if 

 possible. We should never grade off the surface soil where contour or 

 change in direction could make it unnecessary. The reason is obvious. 

 The surface soil is usually better supplied with the necessary soil ele- 

 ments. I fear not all will follow this advice, but those who do not will 

 surely realize their mistake later. 



PROCURING THE TREES. 



It is wise to see the trees before purchasing, to make certain that 

 they had been grown under proper conditions. One had best purchase 

 some months before planting, as he is more likely to secure good trees. 

 The price usually runs from forty cents to one dollar per tree, varying 

 with size, supply and demand, and number purchased. If possible, one 

 may well buy selected trees, paying more. This is one signal advan- 

 tage among many of growing one 's own trees from seedbed to orchard. 



Too much care can not be exercised in removing budded trees from 



