28 



1916 ANNUAL REPORT 



of budded tree as any other stock so far used. Three years ago there was 

 a g^ood comparative demonstration of the frost-resistant qualities in a 

 field where there were both Florida and Mexican root-stocks. Nearly 

 every Florida root was entirely killed, while most of the Mexican type 

 soon sent up new thrifty shoots and in some instances the budded tops 

 were only partly damaged with a temperature under 20 degrees. Another 

 example which I have watched with interest, is a large Hawaiian seedling 

 12 to 14 inches in diameter, which was killed close to the ground. The 

 roots were so badly affected that it has never been able to produce a 

 healthy growth, although it has received special attention. 



Each year seeds of some of the tropical types of avocados are shipped 

 to California from Florida and Tahiti, finding ready sale on account of the 

 shortage of local production and the federal embargo on importations 

 from Mexico. Let us confine ourselves to the use of hardy seed from local 

 trees, although the production is limited, rather than import such stock 

 which we know to be less desirable. 



Seed Planting. — Seed will keep for several months if stored in a cool 

 place and not allowed to dry out, although the best results are obtained 

 by planting- as soon as possible after the fruits become fully mature, and 

 will shake from the tree. A sandy loam or a mixture of half sand and 

 half leafmold are excellent for starting seed. The small pointed end is 

 allowed to show slightly above the surface. Many are planting in seed 

 boxes holding 6 to 8 inches of dirt; others are using 4 to 6 inch pots. 

 Part shade is desirable until the seeds sprout; after that they protect them- 

 selves and will grow more stocky if exposed to the full light. Sufficient 

 water should be applied to keep the soil thoroughly moist. 



Transplanting Seedlings. — The seedlings should be transplanted to the 

 nursery rows when 4 to 8 inches high. As most of our seed is produced 

 in the fall, the stock is usually ready to set out in March or April. Some 

 growers are transferring from the seed-bed to pots and holding about 

 three weeks before planting in the open ground. It may be well to state 

 that stock allowed to stand in pots much over a month, will form a circular 

 root growth from which it has a hard struggle to recover. Such trees are 

 often badly stunted and unable to support themselves after a year or two 

 of growth. 



Direct planting from the seed-bed to the field nursery is tne most 

 desirable but is not practical in too light a soil; it is far more difficult 

 as the seedlings must have constant attention for the first few weeks until 

 they are thoroughly established. It is necessary to furnish partial shade, 

 such as a shingle on the south side, and to supply frequent irrigation, 

 never allowing the ground to dry out around the roots. This method 

 should be used only through the cool months of spring. 



The nursery rows should be 4 feet apart and the trees set every 18 

 inches in the rows. First class, one-year-old, budded stock will require this 

 amount of space. 



Budding. — Stock planted in the field during April should be ready 

 to bud the following August or September. The seedlings should be from 

 one-half to one inch in diameter before budding. 



Budding in pots or boxes, which was practiced in Florida and thought 



