THE ORANGE 



61 





Figure No. 13. 



water settles the dirt and keeps the roots in place. Soon after 

 the trees have been watered, and as soon as the water in the 

 basin has disappeared, the basin is covered with loose soil; 

 this will protect the tree from getting dry and also from lean- 

 ing over. Trees planted with these precautions make the best 

 growth and become the thriftiest. 



PRUNING. 



When trees have been allowed to grow at will for several 

 years before they are pruned, most of the inside brush will be 

 found to be dead, and to remove it requires considerable work 

 and skill, for if in removing a branch a hole is made that will 

 allow the hot sun to enter, it will scorch the bark; the fine 

 brush will also die, and diseased trees are sure to be the result. 

 I have often read articles wherein the writers advocate, " that 

 the trees be opened so as to allow plenty of air and sun-heat 

 to enter." This advice comes from men having no practical 

 knowledge; men who are ever willing to tell, but who cannot 

 do it themselves. I am sure that no one having an orchard, 

 depending upon that alone for a livelihood, would ever follow 

 or give such advice. It is not practical and should be disre- 

 garded. 



Figure No. 14 is a good illustration of how a tree is left, or 

 what remains of it, after the brush that protects the trunk and 

 branches is removed. The trunk and inside growth is left 

 exposed to the sun's heat. 



