66 CITRUS CULTURE IN CALIFORNIA. 



BOLTING SPLIT LIMBS. 



When trees grow with limbs forming a fork, they generally 

 split in the center, caused by the heavy burden upon them. 

 As soon as they are discovered, "that is, before they break 

 down," they should be bolted together. (Figure No. 17.) If 

 the limbs fall upon the ground they must be cut back consid- 

 erably, to lessen their weight. They are then lifted up and a 



Figure No. 17. 



bolt passed through them. A large washer should be placed 

 at each end. The bark in time will grow over the bolt. In 

 this way valuable trees are often saved. The bolt should be of 

 galvanized iron or steel. Wrought iron should not be used, as 

 it will corrode too fast, and may cause the loss of the tree. 



FERTILIZATION. 



MR. A. SCOTT CHAPMAN, of San Gabriel, who has had 

 perhaps more experience with fertilizers in this State than 

 any other person, has this to say on the subject : 



Plants feed on the same elements, but in varying proportions. Among the most 

 important may be mentioned phosphoric acid, potash, lime, magnesia, and nitrogen, 

 which are found only in small available quantities in the soil, although they may 

 exist in large quantities in an unavailable condition. 



According to Professor Johnson, "from 95 to 99 per cent of the entire mass 

 (weight) of agricultural plants is derived directly or indirectly from the atmosphere. 

 And from the atmosphere the crop can derive no appreciable quantity of those 

 elements that are found in the ash." 



