On Accidentally Introduced Forms of Animals. 109 



he termed the faunal equilibrium that exists in Nature, by the in- 

 tentional, incidental, or accidental interference of man, would 

 prove to be not only an interesting and curious study in itself, 

 but would show how intimately interwoven are the various forms 

 -of animal life, as well as animal and vegetable life, and further 

 •demonstrate the necessity of looking ahead to detect if possible 

 what advantage or disadvantage may follow in the train of causes 

 and effects, through the modification of the fauna ot any region 

 "by the introduction and permanent addition of a new species, an 

 exotic, strange and not to the region born. The rabbit pest in 

 Australia is an appropriate illustration, where failing to look be- 

 fore the leap was made it has,to use an old-fashioned phrase, 'cost 

 a pretty penny,' and conspicuously indicates the practical value 

 of a thorough and philosophical knowledge of natural history as 

 related to 'the affairs of mankind." The absence of carnivorous 

 predaceous animals in the faunal species of that region has sim- 

 ply, to use a common expression, made the rabbit ' master of the 

 situation,' and it would seem as ii it were likely to remain so. 



Robert E. C. Stearns. 





THE ORANGE FOR HEALTH, PLEASURE AND 



PROFIT. 



The orange has well been called the Queen of Fruits, and is 

 certainly deserving of that title in southern California. For more 

 than a hundred years the crange has thrived in the genial climate 

 with which we are favored, and throughout historic time this beau- 

 tiful tree has paid tribute to mankind. 



The history of the orange is intimately connected with ro- 

 mance and mythology, and not. only has it been prized for its 

 luscious fruit, but for its beauty of form, the fragrance of its blos- 

 soms, and other characteristics that commend it to the care of 

 man. 



The cultivation of the orange may be made profitable in any 

 clime where the temperature does not fall below forty degrees F. 

 in Winter. Seedlings are as a rule more hardy than grafted or 

 budded stock, and are consequently to be preferred in the colder 

 climates. Some varieties will easily stand a temperature that will 

 prove destructive to others. The orange is now cultivated in 

 most warm countries with success. California and Florida are 

 the two states in the Union where they are most extensively 

 planted, but Arizona and New Mexico give promise of taking a 

 high rank in the production of this fruit. In all the Gulf States 

 the orange is also planted to some extent, but usually more for 

 ornament than for profit. 



A deep, rich soil is required by the orange to insure a prolific 

 yield of fruit and a vigorous growth to the tree. A stunted tree 

 will not produce fine fruit. Yet, the orange tree is not very par- 

 ticular in regard to soil, but will grow luxuriantly in sand or very 



