115 



spection of the soil, culture, and general condition of orange trees in 

 places where the products were typical of the best results of that re. 

 gion, resulted in the conviction that the superiority of the fruit was, 

 primarily, owing to the sheltered and shaded position of the trees. 

 The soil in which they are growing does not differ from that in many 

 parts of the State, although it contains a larger portion of organic 

 matter than can be found in numerous localities where orange trees are 

 planted, but even when this deficiency is supplied on lauds openly ex- 

 posed to sun and winds, the products will not generally compare favor- 

 ably with those from sheltered groves ; so that the conclusion seems 

 clear that the superior quality of the fruit is owing to the fact that the 

 trees producing it are afforded an ample degree of shade and protec- 

 tion. It may further be presumed that in any part of the orange belt 

 or climate where the trees are similarly sheltered fruits may be pro- 

 duced equally good in every particular. 



In passing through the country the effects of shelter, especially on 

 young trees, is everywhere apparent. It might truthfully be stated 

 that the best looking young groves are those which are best protected. 



As the trees increase in height and expanse they will, in a certain 

 degree, shelter each other, and so far as they shade the ground and 

 break the force of drying winds so far will evaporation of moisture be 

 reduced ; but a recognition of all the facts pertaining to the growth of 

 the orange would tend to the conclusion that the trees would be bene- 

 fited by being well sheltered, if not also partially shaded, no matter 

 what their age may be. 



What might be termed conclusive evidence on this point is afforded 

 by the localities in which the sour or bitter orange has become natural- 

 ized. This plant asserts itself as an example of the u survival of the 

 fittest " of the Citrus family in this State, under strictly natural condi- 

 tions of propagation and growth. 



There are throughout parts of Florida extensive tracts of rather low 

 lands, where the palmetto abounds and flourishes, interspersed with a 

 variety of oaks and undergrowths. Here also is found the so-called wild 

 or sour orange, luxuriating in and forming a part of the dense thickets, 

 nourished by a soil rich in organic matter, and sometimes growing in 

 places where their roots are covered with water for weeks at a time. 



Some of the most valuable orange groves in the State have been 

 formed by a partial clearing out of these thickets, removing the tops 

 of the wild orange trees and budding the plants with the best varieties 

 of sweet oranges. Looking into these seminaturalized groves we ob- 

 serve an indiscriminate assemblage of orange trees and tall palmettos, 

 the latter towering above the former, which give evidence by the vivid 

 color of their leaves and the brightness of their fruits that they enjoy 

 the shade and protection thus afforded them. The fruit from these groves 

 is noted for fine appearance and quality, and if intermixed with " In- 



