32 



supposed to be well located with reference to protection from frost, 

 some far south and with considerable water to the north-west, were 

 seriously damaged, and many trees beginning to bear entirely killed ; 

 but the writer has not heard of a single instance of damage to trees 

 where they were protected by forest trees standing to the south and 

 east of the oranges. 



Even the lemon, much tenderer than the orange, was unhurt 

 where so protected. One other instance. On the south or south-east 

 of Orange Lake stood two beautiful and extensive orange groves side 

 by side. They were wild groves budded and just coming into bearing. 

 They both had the same water protection. One grove was judiciously 

 protected by forest trees left standing at suitable intervals, the other- 

 grove was without such forest protection. All the forest trees had 

 been cut down. A few days after the severe frost of the winter of 

 1876-7 the sheltered grove was still as green as in mid summer, while 

 the other appeared as though a fire had swept through it. Its leaves 

 were dead or fallen, while thousands of dollars worth of fruit, frozen 

 and spoiled, hung upon the naked branches. The owner estimates 

 that if he had left a few forest trees in his grove they would now be 

 worth to him twenty thousand dollars. Are not such facts sufficient 

 to check somewhat the reckless destruction of our noble forest trees 

 and nature's chosen protectors? 



In leaving trees f}r purpose of shelter for the orange the direction 

 given in chapter third on budding sour groves should be attended to. 

 Suitable trees at suitable distances should be left. Three things are 

 especially desirable: 1st, the rays of the early morning sun should be 

 kept from falling directly on the frosted trees. As the sun hangs far 

 to the south during our coldest weather, tall forest trees on the south 

 and east would materially benefit orange trees standing from one to 

 two hundred feet from them. 2d, the rays of the sun should be per- 

 mitted to fall, during some portion of the day, and in summer during 

 a considerable portion of the day, upon each tree in the grove as the 

 rays of the sun, direct or indirect, are essential to plant life and health. 

 But in our sunny climate and long summers, shade and sun, alterna- 

 ting throughout the day, are found to be most favorable to many 

 plants. 3rd, the roots of the forest trees should be kept out of the 



