224 CITRUS FRUITS AND THEIR CULTURE. 



will have to be used, other advantages may more than 

 offset this expense. They retain moisture well and, like 

 the sandy soils of Florida, will doubtless produce thin- 

 skinned, juicy fruit of excellent quality. 



On the red lands found in large tracts in the prov- 

 inces of Havana and Matanzas, and in smaller areas else- 

 where, many old bearing orange trees are to be found. 

 The old groves planted on them have been quite successful. 

 The chief drawbacks in their management are that they 

 part readily with their moisture, bake and crack open 

 during dry weather. They are sticky and pasty during 

 wet weather and, in consequence, are rather hard to culti- 

 vate. By incorporating vegetable matter, and perhaps by 

 the use of lime, these conditions can doubtless be con- 

 siderably improved. 



The black lands are likely to produce rank growth 

 in tree and fruit, though by care in fertilizing, when the 

 trees begin to bear, a portion of this difficulty may be 

 overcome. In selecting the location, attention should be 

 given to the question of drainage, as these soils, particu- 

 larly when low and flat, are likely to be wet. 



