52 MANUAL OF TROPICAL AND SUBTROPICAL FRUITS 



plastic grafting-wax so that air is excluded. Wax is also rubbed 

 over the outside of the cion where it fits into the stub. The 

 stub is then firmly wound with strips of waxed cloth, covering 

 the top as well as the sides. A collar made of builder's paper 

 is then tied around the stub, extending an inch above the tops 

 of the cions. This collar is filled with sand. Particular atten- 

 tion must be given to insuring a layer of sand between the cions 

 and the side of the collar, since otherwise the latter transmits 

 heat from the outside and kills the cions. Vent holes should 

 be made in the paper near the top of the stub to drain off the 

 water which collects within the cup. 



Nothing more remains to be done until the cions have had 

 time to unite with the stock. Two or three months after growth 

 has commenced the sand may be removed and the collar taken 

 off. As a rule, only the stronger of the two cions develops. 

 Both may start to grow but one eventually outstrips the other 

 in most cases, and the weaker one succumbs. 



This method appears to produce vigorous trees. Its use has 

 been attended by excellent results at Homestead. 



THE CROP 



The age at which budded avocado trees come into bearing 

 varies with the different races, and also among the varieties 

 of the same race. Furthermore, experience indicates that 

 many kinds will bear at an earlier age on the sandy soils of 

 southern Florida than on the heavier lands of California. In 

 the latter state, budded trees of the Mexican race frequently 

 come into bearing the second or third year after they are planted 

 in the orchard ; the Guatemalan race shows greater range among 

 the numerous varieties, some, for example the Lyon, commenc- 

 ing to bear within eighteen months or two years from the time 

 of budding, while others, for example Taft, have not borne 

 earlier than the fourth or fifth year. Trapp and several other 



