114 



close to the ground. Figures 138, 139, 139a show well-cared for orange trees at 

 different ages. Figure 140 shows a young mandarin, and Figure 141 shows the 

 same tree pruned ; the wind was unfortunately blowing strongly when the photo, 

 was taken and the thinning does not show up as well as it otherwise would, but 

 the centre has been thinned out and just sufficient of the dense outside growth 

 removed to permit light and air free entry. The bottom, growths touching the 

 ground have also been removed. Figure 142 shows a well-grown seven year old 

 mandarin in heavy bearing. 



The lower growth on citrus must not be trimmed up too high, for it is very 

 necessary that the trunk and main crown roots, which are just on the surface of 

 the ground, should be protected. This growth is only removed sufficiently high 



Fig. 138. 

 A good shaped young Orange tree. 



to prevent the growth from coming to the ground when carrying fruit. As the 

 tree ages it is necessary to keep removing the lower growth, or throwing it up by 

 cutting to the upward laterals, because the tendency of the growth is to come down- 

 wards, owing to the heavy crops of weighty fruit the trees carry. 



No dead wood must be permitted to remain in the tree either in the centre 

 or tops, and cara and attention must be given right through the tree's life not 

 to allow it to form a compact mass of foliage. 



The annual wood growth for fruit must be kept up by keeping the trees 

 thoroughly healthy and in a growing state by thorough cultivation, manuring, 

 and irrigation. If attention is given to allowing sufficient light and air, the 

 trees will bear well and keep very free from disease. Figure 143 shows a nice 

 Umb of Valentia late orange. Figures 144, 145, 146 show highly productive 

 orange trees, which have been well pruned and cared for. 



