ACTICAL ARBORICULTURE 



211 



That Florida sands have produced magnificent pine trees is well attested, and 

 that other deep ' ted trees will thrive is also as evident. 



Water, artificially applied, has enabled the Catalpa to become large and 

 valuable trees in Utah, Colorado and other sand plain regions, arid in character, 

 but the abundant natural rainfall of Florida has produced the same results in vari- 

 ous localities, and will continue to do so. 



In the dryest months of summer one has only to remove a few inches of 

 surface sand to find abundant moisture in the underlying strata. Trees do not 

 require wet soil, with standing water, although some trees will survive, even under 

 these conditions, but soil that is moist is necessary. Too much water is worse 

 than an insufficiency. 



The frequent loosening of the surface with harrow or light cultivation, breaks 

 up the capillary attraction which brings the moisture to the surface, where it is 

 evaporated into the atmosphere. The frequent stirring retains this moisture in 

 the soil for plants. 



Excellent wood growth in fruit trees has been secured during many years 

 past, upon the high, rolling sand hills near Denver, Colorado, the elevation being 

 5,500 feet above sea, and where rain seldom falls nor is irrigation practiced, but 

 a constant harrowing of the surface enables the trees to find ample moisture. 



During the first three years after planting Catalpa, or other forest trees, 

 this surface cultivation should be frequent, but after that the shade of the foliage 

 and accumulation of leaves upon the surface, will keep down objectionable plant 

 growths, while the roots will have become strong enough to maintain a vigorous 

 growth. 



A -MANZINKTE IN FLOWER, CALIFORNIA 



