CULTIVATION. 75 



With such an implement, a grove free from stumps 

 and litter is easily and cheaply kept in fine condi- 

 tion. 



While the orange trees are young it is of advan- 

 tage to keep the ground planted in garden crops 

 peas, beans, potatoes, tomatoes, anything that re- 

 quires frequent work and will mature within a few 

 weeks, partially shading the ground. Of course 

 nothing should be taken from the ground without 

 making adequate return in the form of manures. 

 Suitable fertilizers will be noticed in a separate 

 chapter. 



Where the trees are planted far apart, and ten or 

 twelve years will elapse before the ground will be all 

 occupied by the orange, grapes and peaches will 

 do well and prove profitable, provided the soil is 

 well drained. 



At no time should the roots of grass and weeds 

 be allowed to mat themselves on land growing the 

 orange. Not only will they draw heavily upon the 

 soil while they are growing, but when turned over 

 the turf and matted roots will necessarily leave the 

 surface very irregular, causing the ground to dry 

 rapidly under the influence of sun and wind. Some 

 have advised cultivation to cease during August and 

 September, alleging it to be better to allow the 

 weeds and grass to grow after these months in order 

 to check the fall growth, and thus allow the wood 

 of the orange to so harden as to resist the influence 

 of frost during the winter. But the writer has ex- 



