THE CITRUS GROUP. 43 



mandarins and tangerines (C. nobilis) and kumquats (C. japonica) are 

 in all probability natives of China, the last two probably coming from 

 the mild, equable climate of south-central China. In the vicinity of 

 Hangchow wild pomelos occur, while in Shensi and Shantung Citrus 

 trifoliata is found in a wild state. 



There are said to be more than 80 different kinds of edible oranges 

 growing along the southeastern coast of China and on the numerous 

 islands fringing that coast. A few that came under the writer's 

 notice are as follows: 



SWEET ORANGES. 



There are several varieties of the sweet orange (Citrus aurantiuin 

 sinensis) in China. They appear on the markets in winter and are 

 chiefly from southern China. One variety, said to grow near Canton, 

 is of medium size and very sweet. It is especially in favor with the 

 foreign residents. Blood-red oranges of this type are also occasion- 

 ally seen. 



MANDARINS. 



Under mandarins (Citrus nobilis) we may group the large flat 

 fruits with a loose, generally dark orange-red skin. The trees need 

 rather high temperatures to thrive. The leaves and wood are of 

 a much stronger growth and are very much darker colored than 

 those of the tangerines. The trees are not so prolific. The Chinese 

 possess some excellent varieties of mandarins. One very large one 

 is perfectly seedless and very sweet. It grows especially well on 

 the islands off the coast between Foochow and Amoy. Some excel- 

 lent varieties are also found in the Szechwan Province and above 

 Ichang on the Yangtze River. To the same group belong the so- 

 called bitter or tonic oranges from Wenchow, Chekiang Province. 

 This fruit possesses a bitter flavor that makes it very acceptable on 

 the breakfast table, it having tonic properties similar to those of the 

 pomelo. 



TANGERINES. 



Under tangerines (Citrus nobilis) are placed the small loose-skinned 

 varieties, mostly of a light orange color and generally quite well sup- 

 plied with seeds. The leaves are small and of a light green color. 

 The branches, although thin and long, are closely massed, thus making 

 the trees very dense and round headed. The trees seem to be able 

 to stand a considerable degree of cold. There are several varieties, 

 differing much in size and flavor. One rather small variety is grown 

 extensively near Hangchow in the Chekiang Province. When 

 these groves were visited in the spring of 1906 many trees were com- 

 pletely bent down and a good many limbs had been broken off by a 



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