VI THE LIME 155 



Planting. — This also is done in the same way as is Planting at 

 adopted in the case of the orange, but some planters sow a ^^^^^' 

 few seeds in the field when the trees are to remain. When 

 the seedlings are 18 inches high, all but the one to be 

 left are to be weeded out, or they may be dug up carefully 

 so as to be used for supplies, or for increasing the planted 

 area. 



The distances at which the lime trees are usually planted Distances. 

 vary from 10 to 20 feet, and this gives an average of 15 feet 

 between each plant and between the rows, but the same dis- 

 tances cannot be adopted for the planting of all lands. On 

 steep hill sides 10 feet will not be too close, and on rich 

 bottom lands, at 20 feet distance from each other, the trees 

 in ten or twelve years will meet and completely shade the 

 ground 



Cultivation. — This is the same as for cacao or oranges, 

 and with careful weeding and an occasional stirring of the 

 soil, the trees will commence to bear in three years from the 

 time of planting. Some planters do not weed, but allow Pasture 

 pasture grass to grow between the trees for the purpose of Jj^g^^^^®" 

 raising cattle ; but this plan cannot be recommended, except 

 on steep hill sides where the low grass will prevent the soil 

 from being washed away from the trees, and even in these 

 situations the ground must be tilled occasionally. 



Catch crops may be taken off the land for the first few Catch crops. 

 years, or until the limes are bearing, but as the lime roots 

 run close under the surface, nothing should be planted too 

 near to the trees. Beyond removing all suckers, dead Pruning. 

 branches, and those that lie too close to the ground, no 

 pruning is necessary, indeed, the cultivation of the lime-tree 

 is simplicity itself, for the more the plant is left to its natural 

 growth the better will be the results. 



Manuring will be necessary to keep up the fertility of the Manures 

 soil, farm-yard manure being the best ; and failing that, "^"^^^'"y- 

 some special nitrogenous and potash manure may be ^m- 



