158 ORANGE CULTURE IN FLORIDA. 



mirably adapted to the culture of the orange. Be- 

 ing protected from the severe north-westerly winds 

 by this wide expanse of water, it is as little liable to 

 the injuries of frost as counties one hundred miles 

 farther south. The counties in the lower portion 

 of the State have generally fine lands, and grow the 

 orange successfully. 



Having settled, plant your grove of one or more 

 acres ; let the size be determined by your means, 

 never undertaking more than you can keep in the 

 highest slate of cultivation. As to choosing be- 

 tween the budded and seedling tree, decide as you 

 wish fruit sooner or later. A budded grove would 

 perhaps best suit a man well advanced in age. If, 

 however, the seedling is your choice, make yourself 

 entirely satisfied as to the quality of the orange 

 from which the seed were taken, and also the re- 

 moteness of the original tree from trees bearing 

 fruit of poor quality. Better plant the seed your- 

 self and wait, rather than have doubt on this point. 

 Keep the land rich and thoroughly tilled. The best 

 remedy for drouth is to have the plow and cultiva- 

 tor or sweep continually going. It is a great mis- 

 take to plow only with respect to the grass. The 

 intervals between cultivating should not be so great 

 as to give the grass an opportunity for growing. 

 Where the ground is frequently stirred there will be 

 fewer insects, their eggs, which are often deposited 

 in the earth, not being permitted to hatch. Examine 

 your trees often and closelv. If insects attack them, 



