PROPAGATION AND CARE OF EUCALYPTS. 47 



field except during certain seasons. In California they are commonly 

 set out from February' to Ma\% but may be set considerably earlier or 

 later in many parts of the State. Wliere heavy frosts occur during 

 the winter it is best to wait until the danger of their occurrence is 

 over, as many Eucalypts that endure frost when older are (juite sensi- 

 tive when 3^oung. In southern Arizona the best months for setting- 

 are March and April, just after the winter rains, and July and August, 

 during. the summer rains. They can r)e started most successfully there 

 Quring the latter part of March. 



If tlie Eucalypts are being set primarily for shade they may be set 

 in singl(> or double rows, 10 to 20 feet apart in the rows, along fences 

 or irrigating ditches, or on each side of a road; or they may be scat- 

 tered about the barnyard or the stockyard. But if the}- are being set 

 for timber or for fuel it is best to set them 8 to 16 feet apart each way in 

 solid blocks. When set in this manner they grow straighter (thus 

 making more serviceable timber), split more readily for fuel, and are 

 in every way more useful than if they grow scattered about and exposed 

 to distorting winds. Some species, like the Red Gum, that arc slen- 

 der and easih^ distorted by the wind the first year or two, will grow 

 straighter if corn be planted among them. In regions where the sun 

 is trying the corn serves as a partial shade, as well as a wind-break. 

 But as stated before, Eucalypts thrive best in bright sunlight, and it 

 is not well to permit the corn to encroach too closely upon the young 

 plants. 



SUBSEQUENT CARE. 



The young plants should be given some water when set out, and in 

 many cases the watering will need to be continued for some time. 

 How long after setting the application of water should continue will 

 depend upon the climate, and upon the weather that follows. In the 

 coast region of California, where night and morning fogs are frequent, 

 little artificial watering is necessary. Farther inland trees need to be 

 watered for several weeks at least. In the dry vallej's of southern 

 Arizona, New Mexico, and Texas they should be irrigated at least 

 throughout the first season, and will make more satisfactory growth 

 if irrigation be continued several years. After their root system 

 is well established a few irrigations during winter when water is 

 abundant will be all they they will need in most of this region. If set 

 along irrigating ditches or canals it will be necessary to water them 

 b}^ hand only a few months, until the roots have pushed down into 

 the permanently moist soil. 



As most of the Eucalypts are quite delicate plants when small, they 

 will need careful attention the first season. The}' should be cultivated 

 and kept entirely f r^e from weeds for from one to three years, accord- 

 ing to the species and the condition of the soil. In many cases they 



