THE IRRIGATION OF CITRUS GROVES. 



331 



From this table it will be seen that the average 

 annual rainfall is 13.7 inches, but that it varies all the 

 way from 7 to 20 inches. It will be noted further that 

 the irrigation season runs from March to about October, 

 this being the period of greatest heat, least rainfall and 

 most vigorous growth of fruit and branch. The amount of 

 irrigation water in most cases does not exceed thirty 

 inches and by far the greater number of citrus groves 

 receive twentv inches or less in addition to the rainfall. 



Fig. 74. Artesian Well at Sanford, Florida. 



The variation in the amount used is due to the elevation, 

 the temperature, the character of the soil and the rain- 

 fall. Some localities are specially favored in receiving 

 a large amount of water at a small cost and there it is 

 generally found that it is used more freely than where 

 higher rates prevail. Still, the amount used in all cases 

 is small and bears testimony to a careful and conserva- 

 tive use of water by the growers. 



