230 STATE BOARD OF HORTICULTURE. 



From Seed. — The seeds of the citron germinate quite easily, 

 but much care is required to be successful in raising seedlings. 

 After the seed is washed out of the fruit it is kept moist and 

 never allowed to get dry, for in drying the kernel loses its power 

 of germination. The seed is planted in the spring after all 

 danger of frost has passed, either in prepared seed-beds or in 

 boxes. It is sown broadcast and covered with an inch of leaf 

 mould mixed with sand. Great care must be taken from this 

 time on that the soil be kept moist and yet not too wet, as the 

 seeds rot easily. The seeds germinate in about a month, or 

 longer if the weather be cold. The following spring the plants 

 are planted in nursery row. 



VARIETIES. 



Numerous varieties have been introduced, many of which 

 are yet in the experimental state. 



Lemon, or Sorrento (Plate XXII). — This variety was 

 among the first introduced, and has fruited regularly ever since. 

 Shape oblong, like the lemon, with a very pleasant aroma, 

 which is much esteemed. Skin bright yellow, smooth and very 

 glossy; inner skin white, coarse and thick, with very little 

 trace of bitterness. Pulp very bitter and deficient in juice. 

 The fruit grows irregularly, some very large and others very 

 small, the largest weighing from three to five (or more) pounds 

 each. 



Lyman. — A Florida variety, said to be very good. 



Orange. — A round citron. 



Other varieties grown here: 



PREPARATION OF CITRON RIND. 



The fruit before assuming a yellow color, and also when bright 

 yellow, is picked and placed in barrels filled with brine, and 

 left for at least a month. The brine is renewed several times, 

 and the fruit allowed to remain in it until required for use, 

 often for a period of four or five months. When the citrons are 



