CHAPTER III. 



Selection of a Site for a Nursery. 



Too much care cannot be exercised in the selection of a site 

 for a nursery. The quality of the soil is of the first importance ; 

 it should be a deep and rich sandy loam mixed somewhat with 

 clay. A soil of this character is naturally warm and retentive 

 of moisture, and the roots of the young plants permeate it with- 

 out difficulty. 



It is important to avoid hard-pan or cement near the surface, 

 as it cuts off the under drainage, and the roots suffer from ex- 

 cessive dampness and cold. A southerly exposure is best. The 

 location should be protected as much as possible from winds, 

 and care should be taken to locate where frosts are not severe. 

 A nursery liable to be frost-bitten annually is annoying and 

 damaging to the owner. Trees severely frosted make a stunted 

 growth, rarely outgrown, if ever. 



An abundant supply of water for irrigation is the most im- 

 portant of all ; for without an abundant supply of water all 

 other advantages will be neutralized. With the foregoing pre- 

 cautions and plenty of water healthy, handsome and thrifty 

 trees may be produced. 



Young orange trees in the nursery require and must have an 

 abundant supply of water during all the summer months, to in- 

 sure a perfect and satisfactory growth. When all of the fore- 

 going points shall have been carefully observed, the nurseryman 

 may, with proper after-management, confidently expect to be 

 able to supply his customers with trees that will give satis- 

 faction, and to lay a foundation on which he will soon be able 

 to build a reputation that will be a lasting source of pride and 

 profit to himself and his customers. 



