CALIFORNIA AVOCADO ASSOCIATION 



163 



leaved out should be selected. However, the variation is so great that 

 buds of this character are never available on trees of some varieties, 

 and the closest approach must then be taken. A thin, peaked bud 

 is to be avoided where possible. If the bud growth is too far advanced 

 the eye will usually drop off and the result is a blind bud of no value, 

 even though the shield may have properly affixed itself to the stock. 



The Young Tree 



As the young budded tree advances in growth, great care should 

 be taken to keep it properly staked with a light stake that will not 

 interfere with balanced leaf or branch development. Low branches 

 that assume too great prominence should be removed, the object being 

 to gain a straight, symmetrical growth with light side branches beginning 

 about a foot from the ground, and a well branched top, commencing 

 say two feet above the ground, retaining its main stalk or leader. 



During the period of active summer growth, irrigation every seven 

 to ten days is not too much. Be prepared to turn on the water at a 

 time of excessive heat, to prevent the burning of tender tips. Check the 

 irrigation work sharply by October 1 to harden leaf and branch growth, 

 watering only enough to keep the trees in good condition. 



By the first of January the most dormant period of the young tree 

 has been reached, and balling may be begun. Here again great care 

 and the work of skilful men only should be employed. The balls should 

 weigh forty or fifty pounds each. Handle carefully and as few 

 times as possible, and place in the lathhouse with slightly moistened 

 shavings filling the spaces between the balls. Water lightly from time 

 to time, and thus hold until the trees are removed for orchard planting. 



Orchard Planting 



This work should take place preferably in March. At this time the 

 young tree is practically a one year old bud on a two year old root, 

 and should average four feet in height. A tree smaller than this size 

 is quite as likely to be desirable as one larger. 



In general it may be said that any good soil is satisfactory lor 

 avocado growing. If tight, close or hard, take the proper means of 

 loosening and preparing, always providing good drainage. Money spent 

 on advance preparation for orchard planting is an investment that pays 

 big returns. Large holes dug in the fall and dynamited if the ground 

 requires it, then two thirds filled with a mixture of one-half rotted 

 manure and one-half top soil, allowing all to weather until March, is 

 the ideal preparation. In planting, mix in more top soil, and after setting 

 in the ball to about its previous depth, and two-thirds filling in the hole, 

 lay back the burlap covering, fill in more dirt, leaving a top basin, 

 then water thoroughly and subsequently level off with loose soil. 



Probaby there is no better cultural treatment for the first or second 

 year than that afforded by the basin system, with a heavy mulch of loose 

 stable manure. 



Orchard trees may be spaced 25 or 30 feet apart if of the low 



