HO ORANGE CULTURE IN FLORIDA. 



appearance or quality from the above, but retains its 

 perfection until very late in the season ; if this habit 

 remains permanent it will be one of the most desira- 

 ble. Botelha, Dulcissima, Jaffa, and other recently 

 imported varieties have not been fruited long enough 

 in the State to determine their qualities. 



Of all the citrus tribe the Mandarin or Tangerine 

 orange is the most delicate and aromatic, though 

 scarcely as luscious as the Sweet Orange of Florida. 

 On account of its beautiful shape, color, and the ease 

 with which the rind and segments separate, it is 

 highly esteemed as a dessert fruit. Comparatively 

 few are shipped, and these bring an enormously high 

 price. The effect of increased production consequent 

 upon the large number being planted remains to be 

 seen. The trees are hardy and prolific. There are 

 two distinct classes the first dwarfed, willow- 

 leaved, and yellow-fruited. Of this class there are 

 many inferior seedling varieties which have occasion- 

 ed a prejudice against it in some localities ; the trees 

 can be planted much closer than the Sweet Orange. 

 The second, full-sized, large-leaved, crimson-fruited, 

 much prized on account of its color. The China and 

 St. Michaels of the former class and the Bijou of the 

 latter are superior varieties. 



Until recently Florida lemons have bee'n regarded 

 as too large, thick-skinned, and bitter-rinded for 

 profitable shipment. The last few years have dem- 

 onstrated this to be erroneous. Heretofore com- 

 paratively unknown in market, a poor opinion was 

 formed from the inferior quality and improper prep- 

 aration of the specimens fowarded. The fruit is now 

 in demand, sought for by local buyers and consignees 



