Second, there is the puddling system. Where the soil is so loose 

 that balling is impossible, a hole is dug around the nursery tree and 

 filled with water. This soon loosens the roots and the tree is lifted 

 out without difficulty. Many prefer this system, as it is less expen- 

 sive, and gives the trees larger and more roots. 



Topping the Tree Many planters hold that trees taken from the 



and nursery should be topped, and the branches so 



Extending its cut that in starting they will form a fine-shaped 



Roots. head. This, they say, prevents the evaporation 



that takes place so rapidly when the leaves are 



allowed to remain on the young trees. When the roots have taken 

 a firm hold in the new soil and resumed their natural functions, they 

 can take care of the new leaves that put forth. 



A common and harmful practice in planting trees with- loose 

 roots is to place the tree in the hole, fill the hole with soil and water, 

 and then tramp on it to pack the earth. As the roots are covered 

 with thick mud they will stick together, and though the tree may 

 grow even with this hard usage, it will not do nearly so well as when 

 the roots are extended with care. The process is simple. The hole 

 should be half filled with earth, which being loose admits the tap 

 root of the tree by slight pressure of the hand ; then the lateral roots 

 are spread and the soil is lightly pressed. Heavy tramping is not 

 necessary, as the water settles the dirt and keeps the roots in place. 

 As soon as the water in the basin has disappeared, the basin is covered 

 with loose soil; this. will prevent evaporation and keep the tree from 

 leaning over. 



Newly transplanted stock in case of either a cold or hot spell, 

 may Ipe protected by wrapping with old newspapers. 



PRUNING, PROPPING AND BUDDING. 



Low Pruning A contest was waged for many years between the 

 is advocates of high and low pruning. Victory finally 



Best. perched on the banners of the low pruners ; experi- 



ence having demonstrated that in the California 

 climate with its long dry period, and in the dry soils in which citrus 

 fruits attain their best condition, low pruning protects the tree from the 

 sun and better retains the moisture in the earth around the root of 

 the tree. The fruit of a low-pruned tree is more easily and cheaply 

 gathered than that of a high-pruned tree. 



Clipping Different varieties of oranges, or the same in different 

 and localities, are picked in differing seasons, and the proper 



Pruning. time for pruning is after the removal of the crop. At 

 all seasons of the year, however, superfluous sprouts on 

 the trunk and stray branches that threaten to throw the tree out of 

 balance should be removed without delay. That the knife should be 

 very sharp is essential and all cuts should be made as smooth as pos- 

 sible. Cuts made with a saw should be pared down smooth with a 

 sharp knife, then waxed over and painted with gum shellac in proper 



