THE CITRON. 649 



groves will render us independent of the foreign product. 

 The unmerchantable fruit can be used in making citric acid, 

 for which there is a large demand in the arts and medicine, or 

 made into wine or vinegar. Although well-cared-for fruit 

 often keeps months in good condition, the process of shrivel- 

 ling up or decay, though slow at first, really begins when the 

 stem is severed; therefore it is best laid down in market as 

 soon as possible. Various applications have been used, some 

 of which were warranted to preserve oranges in a fresh con- 

 dition for years, but so far none have given satisfaction. 

 Fruit from cold-storage goes to pieces very soon after being 

 taken out. 



THE CITRON. 



The citron {Citrus medica cedra) is usually grown as a shrub 

 or small tree ; the flowers are large and externally of a violet 

 color; the branches, weighed down by the enormous fruit, 

 are continually rooting at the ends and spreading, causing a 

 neglected bush to expand in time into a dense thicket. » It is 

 very tender and best grown from layers or cuttings, which 

 quickly spring up again if killed down by frost. It is sup- 

 posed to be the parent of the lemon, and between the two 

 occur an endless variety of intermediate forms or hybrids. 

 Chiefly valued for the thick and tender rind, which, after 

 having first lain in strong brine, is freshened and stewed in 

 syrup till saturated, and then, after being candied and dried, 

 is familiar to every one as the citron of commerce. A fragrant 

 oil, used by perfumers, is also distilled from the rind. For 

 preserving it must be used in a green state. 



Varieties. 



Fingered Citron. A rare and primitive form ; fruit of enormous 

 size, with lobes separating and projecting like fingers. Grown 

 sparingly in China, where it is highly esteemed for its delightful 

 odor. Placed upon porcelain dishes and brought into their tem- 

 ples and apartments, it fills the air with a fragrance so penetrat- 

 ing as to be perceptible at the distance of a mile. Has been 

 brought into California from Japan, but is little known as yet 

 here. 



Lemon. So-called from resembling a lemon in shape and color; 



