394 CITRUS FRUITS AND THEIR CULTURE. 



a little more precocious and prolific. But good results 

 can be obtained with almost any stock. Even Rough 

 lemon, than which there is no more rapid-growing stock, 

 has proved satisfactory. The confinement of the roots by 

 the pot or tub, reduces all stocks to nearly the same level 

 so far as inducing fruitfulness is concerned. 



In dealing with potted plants, the soil is almost en- 

 tirely under the control of the grower. A number of dif- 

 ferent soils give good results. One composed of equal 

 parts of virgin soil from the woods, sand and well-rotted 

 cow manure has proved satisfactory. When the materials 

 can be obtained easily, a soil made up of one-quarter good 

 garden soil, one-quarter sand, one-quarter leaf mold and 

 one-quarter thoroughly-rotted cow manure is probably as 

 good as can be put together. The composition may be 

 varied greatly, but in all cases a sticky, pasty soil, too re- 

 tentive of moisture should be avoided. 



Careful attention must be given to the size of the pot. 

 As the trees increase in size, they should be transferred 

 from one size to another as they become pot-bound. Older 

 trees should be placed in large tubs, but in general it may 

 be said that it is not advisable to increase the size of the 

 tub beyond a diameter of three feet. Perfect drainage 

 should be provided, a point too frequently overlooked. 

 This may be secured by boring holes in the bottoms of the 

 tubs, and filling in to a depth of two or three inches with 

 large pieces of broken pottery. The soil should be well 

 packed about the roots in potting. The large tubs should 

 be filled only to within four or five inches of the top with 

 soil. Afterward, when the plant has become established 

 and the soil somewhat depleted, this space can be filled in 

 with potting soil containing a half or so of well-rotted 

 cow manure. Ke-potting may be obviated by replacing 

 this top layer with fresh material from time to time. 



