THE SWEET ORANGES. 29 



common. But groves were established and in a thorough 

 state of cultivation early in the nineteenth century, and 

 even before that time considerable attention was given 

 to citrus culture. 



The introduction of the orange into California is thus 

 told by Mr. B. M. Lelong: 



"In 1767 the Jesuits were expelled from the missions 

 in Lower California, their possessions were turned over 

 to the Franciscans, and Junipero Serra was selected as 

 President of the Missions. A dispute arose between the 

 Franciscans and Dominicans over the division of the 

 property. The latter claimed an interest in the mission 

 work. In consequence of this a division was made, and 

 in 1769 the Franciscans started northward, entering and 

 occupying what is now the State of California. * * * 



"Jose del Galvez, Visitor-general' and secular head, 

 with Father Serra, made arrangements for the establish- 

 ment of settlements. Twenty-one missions were estab- 

 lished, all but three of which had gardens and orchards. 

 The mission orchards were very small, and some consisted 

 of but few trees, but those trees played an important part 

 in the horticultural advancement of the State, for they 

 showed the possibilities in fruit culture, and furnished 

 seeds, stocks and scions for many orchards. * * * 

 The chief fruits brought by the Fathers were oranges, figs, 

 grapes and olives. * * *" * 



Of all the citrus fruits cultivated in America at the ] 

 present time, the sweet orange is the most important? Its I 

 cultivation represents more capital than all the others > 

 together, and it is likely to maintain its present position/ 

 so long as fruits of this genus are grown. 



It is used as a dessert fruit only and for the most 

 part all sweet oranges are consumed without cooking. In 



