THE ORANGE IN CALIFORNIA — SOILS. 



105 



Note. — In gi^dng the distances of trees of the quincunx, the fifth or central 

 tree is not taken into account. 



For any distances not given in the above data calculate the 

 number of trees to the acre b}^ the square system, and add 

 fifteen per cent. This will give the number if planted septuple. 



SOILS. 



An old saying among orange-growers, and in which there is 

 much truth, is that "the orange tree must have its feet dry"; 

 in other words, what is true of the requirements of all fruit 

 trees, is especially so of the orange, and the soil upon which it 

 is planted must be well drained. It should never be planted 

 on heavy, low ground, or on low, damp ground, where water 

 can be reached within a few feet of the surface, and never on 

 black adobe soil. A rich, porous soil is absolutely necessary to 

 give the tree a vigorous growth. A deep alluvium intermixed 

 with decomposed granite or limestone, with a porous subsoil, 

 offers the best conditions in soil. A hardpan soil is to be 

 avoided. At Redlands, in San Bernardino County, the soil is, 

 as its name indicates, a deep red, composed largely of disinte- 

 grated granite, with a large percentage of oxide of iron. The 

 oranges grown there are of a deeper color than those produced 

 in most other sections. At Riverside the soil is largely of the 

 same character, and much of it, approaching the hills, a sharp 

 granitic grit. The same general characteristics of soil prevail 

 over the greater part of the orange section of Southern Califor- 

 nia, the land varying as to the admixture of sand, some being 

 more and some less of a sandy natute. 



