THE ORANGE IN CALIFORNIA PROPAGATION. 87 



the trimmers it should be loosened by running a cultivator 

 between the rows. 



Topping the Trees.— When a tree is taken from the nursery 

 .the foliage should be cut back; the branches should be so cut 

 that in starting they will form a fine-shaped head. This is 

 done because evaporation from the leaves is rapid. In many 

 cases where the top shoots are left on, the circulation of the 

 trees becomes dry and the bark will shrivel before the roots 

 have assumed their natural functions. 



Balling System. — A narrow trench is made along the row 

 and within six inches of the tree; the taproot is cut about 

 eighteen inches deep; then with a spade an oblong ball is cut, 

 leaving in it the tree. The spade should be very sharp, or in 

 cutting the roots the jar will break the ball. Pruning shears 

 are used in cutting large roots. When trees are taken up with 

 a solid ball of earth the leaves will scarcely wilt. 



Puddling System. — Puddling is practiced where the soil is 

 so loose that sacking is rendered impossible. Many prefer this 

 system to any other, as it gives the trees larger and more roots; 

 and where all due precautions are taken, puddling is the best 

 system, besides saving considerable expense. 



A hole is made in the ground and filled half full of water, 

 then soil is thrown in and worked with a hoe, which forms a 

 puddle. The puddle should be thin enough so that when the 

 roots of the trees are put into it, the mud will stick to them, at 

 the same time wetting every part thoroughly. The trees are 

 carefully taken up, the soil shaken from the roots, and they are 

 immediately dipped into the mud or puddle. They are then 

 placed ou wet straw in a wagon. A covering is placed over the 

 wagon to prevent the sun from drying the roots, as the roots 

 should not be exposed to the sun, even if only for a few min- 

 utes. The wagon is then driven to the field where the holes 

 have been dug. The driver hands the trees, one at a time, to 

 the planter, who holds them in position while his men fill the 

 hole with dirt, first throwing in the moistest. The planter 

 presses the soil very lightly, and goes to the next one. The 

 tree having been set, a basin is made around it and a couple 

 of buckets of water poured into the basin; this will settle the 

 soil and keep the tree fresh until water can be run down the 

 rows in furrows. 



