43 



A Lesson in Pruning. 



Wlien in the lemon districts of California in 1911 tLe writer had 

 the opportunity of seeing how the growers there kept their trees 

 trimmed, and was at once struck by the healthy appearance and 

 density of the foliage. It was difficult, on many trees, to notice a 

 single lemon at the first glance, but on opening the branches the fruit 

 was there in plenty — growing practically in the shade. There was 

 no opportunity for it to get sunburned or to suffer from being thrashed 

 about by the wind, and any method of pruning which will obtain Ihob^' 

 results is better thiin none. The trees were not allowed to grow high, 

 but a widespreading low tree seemed to be aimed at. This appears a 

 rational form of tree, and might be advantageously adopted in South 

 Africa. It is secured by preventing long upright growth and 

 encoiiraging laterals, and can only be maintained by regular annual 

 pruning, much like that which deciduous trees are subjected to. 



THE NAARTJE. 



Under this heading are classed all kinds of Mandarins and 

 Tangerines. Though it is a somewhat convenient word it does not at 

 once convey to the reader an exact meaning with regard to any 

 particular fruit. It may, for instance, refer to what is known as the 

 "Natal Naartje" or the Cape " Platskil Naartje," fruits of great 

 excellence, or it may allude to either the Bombay Naartje or the 

 Emperor Mandarin, both of a different shape, size, and quality to those 

 just mentioned. 



The Type for Export. 



For export purposes, ho.wever, with which this book chiefly deals, 

 the latter types may be omitted as they are not regarded as being 

 suitable. The naartje for export must be of good red colour, the 

 deeper the better, firm flesh, witli a tight-fitting, smooth skin. This 

 class of fruit finds a fairly ready sale at not unprofitable prices ; 

 indeed occasionally, and especially in the very earliest part of the 

 season, high prices are lealized-in England. 



The demand for the naartje oversea does not equal that for the 

 orange. This is due to one or two causes, principally because the 

 European public, which our fruit reaches at present, is not accustomed 

 to it, and to a lesser extent owing to the habit we have dropped into 

 of sending away naartjes in small layer boxes. Whilst admitting that 

 tliis practice is sound when applied to extra choice specimens it is 

 considered that if naartjes were exported in bulk the demand would 

 be likely to increase. 



The expense of handling all kinds of fruit is far less when packing 

 in bulk than in single layer boxes, the naartje can be dealt with in 

 this way and the adoption of the " half strap " naartje box as an 

 export package is recommended for trial, if only in an experimental 

 way. !■ . 



With a more widely distributed supply the demand may be 

 regarded as certain to increase ; indeed, in the fruit business generally 

 the supply creates the demand, provided that the fruit is placed before 

 the public in a tasteful and appetizing manner. 



