SETTING THE GROVE. 253 



so long as they are transplanted during their dormant 

 periods, they may be set out at almost any season of the 

 year so far as the condition of the tree is concerned. 

 But while this is true, much better results attend the 

 transplanting of the trees at certain periods than at 

 others, because of more favorable climatic conditions. 

 The best time for setting citrus trees in California is in 

 spring, just after the completion of the first growth and 

 before the starting of the second. 



In Florida and the Islands, trees may be planted 

 during the winter months or just after the beginning of 

 the rainy season. Some hesitate to plant in winter in 

 certain sections, because of the risk of injury from frost, 

 but, all things considered, it is more satisfactory to set 

 the trees then and, if necessary, bank them immediately 

 after planting. Bearing in mind that the dry season in 

 Florida generally commences in March, it is best to set 

 the trees some time between December 15th and Febru- 

 ary 15th. The winter rains will settle the soil firmly 

 about the roots, the roots may make some growth, the 

 cut surfaces will at least callus, and with the warmer 

 days of spring they will start off vigorously. Summer 

 planting is quite successful, if the trees can be secured 

 in a dormant state and sufficient water is provided either 

 by irrigation or by rainfall. It sometimes happens, how- 

 ever, that summer planted trees have a tendency to pro- 

 long their growth too late in the fall. 



PLANTING. 



When trees are shipped in boxes or bales, as is most 

 commonly done, they should be unpacked as soon as re- 

 ceived and heeled in, in a shady place. Plow out a fur- 

 row of sufficient length to accommodate the trees when 



