152 FRUIT CULTIVATION 



to regions where the trees are subject to wintering, or at least a 

 short period of rest. It luxuriates in the torrid zone, and is 

 more or less naturalised in the moist low-country of Ceylon ; but 

 the fruits here produced are often coarse and thick-skinned, being 

 usually green in colour when ripe. These defects, however, may 

 be largely due to the want of a proper system of cultivation and 

 selection, as well as to the effects of the tropical climate. At the 

 higher elevations in Ceylon, imported grafted plants flourish for a 

 few years and produce attractive yellow fruits of good quality, but 

 the excessive rains and strong winds often prove detrimental to 

 both the fruit crop and the health of the tree. 



The nearest approach to the proper conditions for successful 

 orange culture in Ceylon would appear to be found in the drier 

 parts of the Uva Province, between 1,000 and 3,000 ft. elevation. 

 A gentle slope with free natural drainage, a light rich soil with a 

 marly or limestone sub-soil, a rather dry climate and shelter from 

 strong winds, these are the conditions which are especially suited 

 to the requirements of the tree. A " resting period " is imitated 

 annually in India, usually with good results, by stopping the water 

 supply, and opening up the soil around the tree, the fibrous, 

 roots nearest the stem being cut off in the process ; this, 

 naturally, has the effect of making the trees drop the greater part 

 of their leaves. When the roots have been thus exposed for a 

 month or two, the soil is again filled in, and manure added. The 

 sea-breeze is considered to be injurious to Orange culture, yet the 

 Cotta oranges, grown on the sea-board, are noted in Ceylon for 

 their excellence. In the dry region of Ceylon, oranges would pro- 

 bably do well under irrigation, as their cultivation is successfully 

 carried on under similar conditions in parts of India, etc. The 

 Orange tree has no serious pest in Ceylon (See Insect and Fungus 

 Pests). 



Propagation of the Orange is best by budding or grafting 

 (especially the former) upon the hardy and vigorous growing kinds 

 of Citrus, as the Sour-orange and the Pumelo. Only budded, 

 grafted, or layered trees can be relied upon for producing fruits of 

 a uniform type and quality. The flowers being naturally subject 

 to cross-fertilisation, plants raised from seed are obviously liable to 

 produce fruits of a variable character. Seedling trees are, however, 

 usually the healthiest and longest-lived. In raising seedlings, care 

 should be taken to choose the best fruits, selecting from these only 

 full and plump pips or seeds. Sow the latter in well-prepared 



