56 CITRUS CULTURE IN CALIFORNIA. 



TAKING THEM UP FROM THE NURSERY. 



Balling System. If only one tree is to be taken up, that is 

 between two others, a narrow trench is made within six inches 

 of the tree, and just in front of it, and then the tap root is cut 

 about eighteen inches or so deep, then with a spade a round 

 oblong ball is cut leaving in it the tree. For this it is better 

 that two men do the work, as it is more expeditious, and bet- 

 ter work can be done. The spade should be very sharp, or in 

 cutting the roots the jar will break the ball. If large roots 

 are to be cut it is better to use pruning shears to cut them. 

 When trees are taken up with a sound ball of earth the leaves 

 will hardly wilt. Citrus trees should never be transplanted if 

 suffering for water. 



PUDDLING SYSTEM. 



Puddling is practiced where the soil is so loose that sacking 

 is rendered impossible; many prefer this system to any other, 

 as it gives the trees larger and more roots; and where all due 

 precautions are taken, puddling is the best system, and consid- 

 erable expense is saved, especially where a large orchard is 

 planted. To be successful the following rules should be car- 

 ried out : First, the holes should be all dug before any of the 

 trees are taken out. Second, the roots of the trees should not 

 be exposed to the sun, even if only for a few minutes, for the 

 fibrous roots are so delicate that the sun will dry them and 

 they will perish. 



DIRECTIONS. 



A trench is dug on one side of the row, the taproots are 

 then cut, a hole is made in the ground and filled half full of 

 water, then soil is thrown into it and worked with a hoe. The 

 puddle should be thin enough so that when the roots of the 

 trees are put into it that it will stick to them, at the same time 

 wetting every part thoroughly. The trees are then taken up ; 

 the man cutting the remaining roots with a spade will cause 

 the trees to fall into the trench, the soil is shook from the 

 roots, and they are immediately dipped into the mud, or pud- 

 dle. They are then handed to a man who places them on 



