POT CULTURE OF CITRUS FRUITS. 397 



falls and the smaller twigs die back. On the other hand 

 if too much water is applied, the leaves become yellow and 

 fall and the whole plant assumes a sickly appearance. 

 The remedy for the first condition is to give water, and if 

 the plant has been exposed to strong sunlight, it should be 

 shaded or transferred to a shady place. If the plant is 

 suffering from a superabundance of water, it should be 

 turned out of the pot or tub immediately, a large portion 

 of the wet soil removed and the plant repotted. A moist 

 atmospheric condition is beneficial to citrus trees. 



Some make the mistake of thinking that citrus trees 

 do not need a rest, forgetting that a period of rest is as 

 necessary for their welfare as it is for ordinary deciduous 

 fruit trees. For about two months during the winter 

 season, the full amount of water should not be given and 

 the temperature should be reduced to 40 or 50 degrees. 

 Water should, of course, be given but not in sufficient 

 quantities to excite growth, though this would hardly hap- 

 pen at so low a temperature, but enough should be supplied 

 to make good the loss through the leaves and prevent their 

 falling. 



This treatment will cause the wood to harden and 

 prepare it for blooming. Following this rest period, a 

 higher temperature, 75 degrees or more, should be given, 

 water should be supplied in the usual amounts, fertilizer 

 applied and the plants placed in a well-lighted, airy place. 

 Plants of sufficient age, treated in this way will bloom 

 during the spring or summer months. In summer the pot- 

 ted plants may be set out of doors. 



TREATMENT OF INSECTS. 



Considerable difficulty is usually experienced in keep- 

 ing potted plants free from insects. The worst and most 



