PROPAGATION BY OFFSHOOTS 67 



stalks or something of that nature around them, but it 

 is doubtful whether this is necessary. In winter, 

 however, they must have some protection in a climate 

 where any frost is to be expected, as the young and 

 growing offshoot is naturally far more tender than the 

 adult palm. Probably the best and simplest shelter is 

 made by tying a piece of burlap or gunny-sacking 

 loosely around it. 



Signs of growth will frequently be shown in two 

 or three months and, if the shoots are planted in 

 spring, half of them should give evidence of vitality 

 before fall; most of the rest will come into growth 

 during the following spring or summer. Sometimes 

 an offshoot will remain entirely lifeless for a year and 

 a half, and then start vigorous growth. There is 

 always a small loss, even with the most carefully 

 selected and handled shoots, but it should not exceed 

 five or ten per cent. If it is more than this the 

 blame is usually due to the cultivator and not to the 

 offshoots. Stands as high as ninety-eight per cent, 

 have been secured with imported offshoots in Cali- 

 fornia ; on the other hand, some plantations have been 

 practically wiped out as the result of a little neglect 

 on the part of their owners. The Arab gets similar 

 results, according to the care he uses, but as he is 

 usually negligent he does not ordinarily get more 

 than sixty to eighty per cent, stand. 



If properly cared for, most varieties will produce 

 the first blossom in two or three years. Varieties 

 differ : Khadhrawi is one of the earliest, and ordinarily 

 produces its first fruit in three years, even under 

 Arab management, while Awaydi seems, with the 

 best of care, unable to give results before eight or ten 



