LUTHER BURBANK 



est and poorest rocky hillside, along old river- 

 beds, and among rock piles. 



But it must not be inferred from this that the 

 plant is oblivious to good treatment. The growth 

 and succulence of the slabs are greatly increased 

 by good soil. Reasonable cultivation of the soil 

 is also of benefit, and, under semi-arid conditions, 

 a very slight irrigation once during the dry season 

 will be highly beneficial, but not absolutely neces- 

 sary, as the plants will live where not a drop of 

 rain falls for many years, if the soil is not too 

 fiercely sunbaked. 



By such treatment, the fruit is greatly increased 

 in size and improved in quality, and the slabs for 

 forage are doubled in weight. 



In a word, no plant responds more promptly 

 to good treatment than does the Opuntia. 



Yet, on the other hand, the plant retains the 

 primeval capacity of its ancestors to make its way 

 under the most unfavorable conditions. 

 MAKING A FORAGE AND FRUIT FIELD 



Unlike most other plants, the Opuntias root 

 best during the heat of summer. This is also the 

 best time to transplant them. In fact they should 

 not be moved at other seasons. No one who is 

 familiar with the Opuntias would undertake to 

 root or transplant them during the cold, damp 

 weather, such as would be best for other plants. 



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