UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE 
Contribution from the Bureau of Plant Industry 
WM. A. TAYLOR, Chief 
Washington, D. C. Vv 
February 10, 1917 
THE NAVEL ORANGE OF BAHIA; WITH NOTES ON 
SOME LITTLE-KNOWN BRAZILIAN FRUITS. 
By P. H. Dorsett, A. D. SHAMEL, and WILSON PoPENOE, Agricultural Explorers, 
Office of Foreign Seed and Plant Introduction. 
CONTENTS. 
Page. Page. 
GROUCHO ys ag ee ar he cere ne Lam lave 1 | Citrus fruits of the region around Rio de 
Origin and history of the navel orange of Janeiro ea eee eet eee ae eee seen ed iis cae is 16 
IS Tene rere ea ile ce md ee en Ree a Re a 1 | Miscellaneous fruits grown at Bahia.......... 17 
Introduction of the Washington Navel orange Some interesting fruits of Rio de Janeiro and 
of Bahia into the United States............ 4 VICINITY hea aoe ew oh is Sees seats 25 
Culture of the navel orange in Bahia.......... 7 | Fruits of the highlands and semiarid regions 
Citrus fruits of Bahia other than the navel of Minas Geraes and Bahia................ 31 
ORANG tee LGN one ir Omtacicie wisaieiers ctejeteree 15 
INTRODUCTION. 
Since the introduction of the Washington Navel orange from 
Brazil 45 years ago, its culture in California has been continually 
extended, until to-day the industry produces an annual income of 
something like 30 millions of dollars. Yet, in spite of the impor- 
tance of this fruit, little has been known in the United States of its 
history in its native home, Brazil, or of the methods and practices 
of Brazilian orange growers. 
ORIGIN AND HISTORY OF THE NAVEL ORANGE OF BAHIA. 
Unfortunately, the origin of this remarkable fruit is somewhat 
obscure, and the only available accounts are those which have been 
handed down from father to son and are still preserved among a few 
of the Brazilian orchardists. It is the general belief among the 
latter that the navel orange came into existence at Bahia in the 
early part of the nineteenth century. It is believed to have been 
first propagated by a Portuguese who lived at Cabulla, a suburb of 
Bahia City. This section is at the present day tne most important 
58081°—Bull. 445—17——1 ; if 
