METHODS OF STARTING AN ORCHARD. 15 



occurred by crowding the entire period into the las" two months when 

 the species is taken to the northern limit of its zone. Some allowance 

 must be made for variations that occur from year to year, but this does 

 not amount to more than two or three weeks in South Florida. The 

 commereial importance of having this fruit come into the market as 

 late in the season as possible and in considerable quantity can not be 

 overestimated. 



THE AVOCADO FOR WIND-BREAKS AND SHADE TREES. 



Nearlj T every orchardist is confronted with the necessity of securing 

 good shade tiees about his premises, and especially a screen for out- 

 buildings and for servants' houses. In addition to shade the question 

 of wind-breaks is of great importance where high winds are almost 

 certain to occur eveiy }^ear. The vigorous-growing varieties of avoca- 

 dos meet these needs as satisfactorily as the purely ornamental trees, 

 and in addition may be expected to give a return of fruit. The fact 

 that the avocado can utilize almost any kind of organic fertilizer with- 

 out becoming diseased makes it much more desirable for these pur- 

 poses than mangoes and citrous trees. The tall, sturd}^ growth makes 

 free pruning of the lower limbs possible, so as to permit the passage 

 of persons and animals under the trees, while the abundant growth of 

 leaves will still produce a dense shade. 



METHODS OF STARTING AN ORCHARD. 



The general method of securing an orchard of avocados in Florida is 

 to germinate seed in a quart or a two-quart tin can, and after the seed- 

 ling has attained the height of a foot or two the can with its contents 

 is transferred to the field where the tree is to grow. A still more 

 primitive way of starting an orchard is to plant the seed in the soil 

 where the tree is to stand. There is no great difficulty in starting an 

 orchard in either way, since the largest seeds (fig. 1) weigh several 

 ounces and have great vitality. If it does not happen to become in- 

 fected' by some germs of decay the seed may lie in the soil for an entire 

 year awaiting a time favorable for germination. The unusual amount 

 of nourishment stored up in the seed enables the seedling to make 

 repeated starts after being dried off. It is capable of renewing its 

 roots several times, as well as its top. 



This method of starting an orchard is quite certain and inexpensive. 

 When the trees are one or two years old they may be budded to any 

 desired variety. While this is better than to await the uncertain 

 results and certain disappointment of a seedling orchard, yet top- 

 working is expensive, and if budded trees of known variety can be 

 obtained from a good nursery they will be found cheaper in the end 

 and much more satisfactory. 



