89 



standing on the local market. But in all these cases the 

 essential points of smoothness of skin, thinness of rind and 

 rag, juiciness of sections and tenderness of membrane, 

 besides the sweet liveliness of flavour that goes to a good 

 orange must be present. Otherwise it would be far better 

 to let the seedling be lost in the crowd. 



Sorts of Oranges Recommended. 



Bahia. Fruit large, solid and heavy ; skin fine in tex- 

 ture, smooth, fairly thin ; pulp firm, very juicy and full 

 flavoured, nearly seedless; central pith small. Tree of 

 medium height and moderately thorny, rapid in growth, 

 rather tender in cold localities. Seedlings of this fine 

 variety are to be found nearly everywhere, and are mostly 

 poor descendants wandering away from the original type. 

 The Americans have changed the name of this orange to 

 Washington Navel for patriotic or trade reasons, but the 

 history of its introduction into the States from Babia is 

 perfectly well known. There is no reason why Cape 

 growers should follow suit in changing the name under 

 which it was introduced to them by Mr. Brehm long pre- 

 viously. It is known to pomologists as the " Bahia," and 

 occasionally, eastward, it gets on our markets the local 

 name of nipple orange. The choice lies between these two, 

 and the former is the better name. 



An Australian variety, probably a lucky seedling and 

 one of the thousand, is known as the Australian Navel. Its 

 flavour is as good as the prototype, but it pollinates badly 

 and is apt to cast its fruit when about half an inch in 

 diameter. Another peculiarity is that the fruit is variable 

 in size, large and small examples of equal ripeness growing 

 together. The nipple is comparatively large and promi- 

 nent, and the fruit will often split at the junction with the 

 true skin. These characteristics will mark it out as a sort 

 to be avoided. 



St. Michael. Fruit round, large and slightly oblate, 

 solid ; rind thin, close texture ; pulp close but not hard, 

 membranes tender, generally with a few small seeds. 

 Alters much according to locality. In congenial situations, 

 with proper shelter, it is very prolific ; but in cold, high 



