ORANGE-TREE. 



ORANGE-TKEE. 



CITRUS AURANTIUM. 



AURANTIACE^E. POLYADELPHIA ICOSANDBIA. 



The derivation of the word Citrus is unknown : some say it is the 

 name of a place in Asia ; others will have it of African origin ; some 

 fix it on the Arabian. French, 1'oranger. Italian, melarancio; aran- 

 cio ; melangolo. 



THE Orange most known in England is the China or 

 Portugal Orange, so called from its having been brought 

 from China by the Portuguese. There are several other 

 varieties in the English gardens; as the Turkey-orange, 

 the Double-flowering, the Dwarf or Nutmeg-orange, the 

 Seville, Sec. 



The leaves of the Dwarf-orange are very small, and grow 

 in clusters ; the flowers grow very close together and appear 

 like a nosegay, the branches being completely covered with 

 them. This species is very ornamental; and, when in 

 blossom, will perfume a room most delightfully. The 

 blossom is white, and begins to appear in June. 



Towards the middle of September Orange-trees should 

 be housed ; and it would be well to keep them in an in- 

 habited room, but not too near a fire. When it is not 

 frosty, they should be frequently, but sparingly, watered. 

 About April the earth should be removed as deep as can be 

 done without disturbing the roots, and fresh earth supplied. 

 Early in June they may be replaced in the open air ; but 

 must be sheltered from keen winds, and from the noon-day 

 sun, which would be hurtful to them. The morning sun 

 will be very beneficial, as also the gentle dews of morning : 



" E quale annunziatrice degli albori 

 L 'aura di Maggio muovesi e olezza 

 Tutta impregnata dall ' erba e da ' fieri." 



DANTE PURGATOKIO, 24. 



