PREPARATIONS FOR PLANTING. 237 



then run diagonally across the field and a tree is planted 

 wherever this line passes through the corners or cuts the 

 side of a square. 



There is little to be gained by this system of plant- 

 ing, except that it makes it possible to cultivate readily 

 three ways through the grove. The trees are given some- 

 what more space. But by planting trees according to 

 the triangular system at thirty foot distance, for in- 

 stance, is the same as planting in rectangles 30x33 1-2 

 feet, so far as the number of trees is concerned. Tri- 

 angles laid out on twenty- foot squares would be the same 

 as planting in rectangles 20x22.4 feet. 



Square or Rectangular System. In this system is in- 

 eluded only the methods of setting trees in rectangles, 

 either square or oblong. It is by far the most commonly 

 used of all the systems and the ease with which a field can 

 be laid off in rectangles is greatly in its favor. 



The rows of trees intersect each other at right angles 

 and cultivation may be carried on conveniently either 

 crosswise or lengthwise of the grove. The planter has 

 the choice of placing the trees the same distance apart 

 both ways or of planting them closer together in the rows 

 than the distance between the rows. 



It has been argued that space is not equally divided 

 among the trees and while this is apparently true, yet, on 

 the other hand, the roots of citrus trees, in most cases, 

 penetrate and permeate all the space allowed in ordinary 

 distances. The roots will certainly secure all the food 

 and moisture in the top fifteen inches of soil. 



When trees are to be planted by this system, the 

 stakes must be set so as to be exactly in line, whether 

 viewed from the end or from the side of the field. 



