PROPAGATION OF CITRUS TREES. JJi 



decay-producing organisms. These sometimes attack the 

 seed. 



THE SEED-BED AND ITS MANAGEMENT. 



If only a small number of seedlings is desired they 

 may be raised in boxes or flats. (Fig. 41). These should 

 be six or eight inches deep and of any convenient width 

 and length. They should be filled with good virgin soil. 

 The seeds may be sown rather thickly in rows three inches 

 apart. When six or eight inches high, they may be trans- 

 planted to the nursery row. 



When a large number of seedlings is required, a seed- 

 bed must be provided. It should be composed of rich, 

 friable earth, sufficiently moist to insure proper germina- 

 tion of the seed. If deficient in plant food, it may be en- 



Fig. 41. Seedling pomelos raised in a flat. 



riched by the addition of commercial fertilizer such as is 

 recommended for young trees. This should be applied to 

 the bed and worked into the soil two or three weeks before 

 planting the seed. It is unsafe to apply commercial ferti- 

 lizer and then plant the seed immediately afterward. The 

 length of time which should elapse between the two opera- 

 tions will depend upon the amount of moisture in the soil 

 and the quantity of fertilizer applied. If very dry weather 

 follows the applying of the fertilizer, a longer time must 

 be allowed to intervene than if there be plenty of rain. 



