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CITRUS AURANTIUM. 



SOIL AND GENERAL TREATMENT. 



The Citrus require a soil of equal parts loam, 

 leaf-mold and well-rotted manure. 



A plentiful supply of water, with good drainage, 

 is necessary when the plant is growing, but it should 

 be given sparingly while resting. 



They like rather a cool atmosphere though they 

 will not bear the least frost, and should have plenty 

 of light, but not the hot sun, except when the fruit 

 is ripening. The full noonday sun injures the 

 foliage. 



Oranges are usually grown from seed and when a 

 year or two old grafted or budded with a fine variety. 



They should be pruned closely every five or six 

 years, cutting off the shoots several inches. They 

 will not need re-potting oftener than this, if they 

 flourish well. When re-potted the earth should be 

 well shaken from the roots, and the smallest fibres 

 and mouldy roots cut back, then kept in the shade 

 for three weeks and watered sparingly, after which 

 they may be removed to a partially sunny location 

 and the supply of water gradually increased as 

 growth advances. A violent wind disfigures the 

 foliage, therefore keep them indoors until the young 

 growth hardens. 



Apply liquid manure once in two weeks or 

 oftener when growing. 



They are liable to be infested with slugs and 

 mealy bugs. The remedy is frequent and thorough 

 spongings with soap-suds. 



