322 THE FRUIT GARDEN 



California, orange-growing was of little consequence before the introduction, in 

 1870, of a seedless variety that we now call Bahia, or more commonly, Wash- 

 ington Navel. This was procured by our national department of Agriculture 

 from Bahia, Brazil, and proved the most eminent success in California and 

 Arizona, although in Florida it does not bear abundantly for some climatic 

 reason. While there are other varieties of the orange of as good flavour, in 

 some respects, there is none that equals it, all things considered. It is the 

 principal variety grown in California, which state now annually ships about 

 7,000,000 boxes, with an increasing production. Very few seedlings are grown 

 there, and only a small proportion of Maltese Blood, Mediterranean Sweet, and 

 some other named varieties of the orange that originated in this country. The 

 native and foreign lists now exceed two hundred varieties, but only a few are 

 grown extensively. The trees are set from 15 to 40 feet apart, according to 

 the requirements of the varieties used. The dwarfish Japanese or mandarin 

 class are sometimes set as close as 10 to 15 feet apart, but most varieties 

 require from 25 to 30 feet. They are given good cultivation by the most modern 

 orchard tools. Manuring is quite necessary in many sections of Florida, and 

 to some extent in California and Arizona. 



The Lemon is also grown commercially, but mostly in California. About 

 3,000,000 boxes are now sent to the eastern States from there annually, and 

 there is a steady increase. There are orchards in Southern California of more 

 than 500 acres in extent. The best varieties from Italy and Spain have been 

 introduced, and several very choice seedlings have originated, one of which, 

 named Eureka, is seedless and of the first quality otherwise. Our people have 

 learned when and how to gather and cure lemons, so as to compete with the 

 foreign product, and it is probable that the importation of lemons will soon 

 decrease. 



The Pomelo is a member of the Citrus family from Siam, Ceylon, and 

 other East Indian countries that is being grown quite extensively in Florida and 

 California. Our people are becoming very fond of it ; although at first it was 

 not relished because of a slightly bitter flavour. By selecting the best seedlings, 

 naming them and propagating by budding, marked progress has been made in 

 the way of varieties. An average specimen will weigh about I lb. They 

 resemble large oranges, except that they are more flattened and of a lemon 

 colour. The trees are treated about as for orange or lemon trees, and bear 

 most abundantly. As the fruit sells at a high price it is not uncommon for one 

 tree to produce a net revenue of from j^io to ^20 in a season. 



The Kumquat is the smallest of the Citrus fruits, not being much larger 

 than a thimble. The varieties are round or oblong in shape, and the colour of 

 oranges. They are delicious in flavour, and are usually preserved whole, 

 although they are good eating in the fresh state. 



The Citron is grown but very little, as yet, in America. A few of the 

 best varieties from Italy and Corsica have recently been introduced, and a few 

 tons of the preserved article have been made in California and Florida. We 

 have proper soil and all other requirements for growing citrons of the best 

 quality, and it will not be long until an abundance is produced. 



