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THE FLOWER GROWER'S GUIDE. 



ORANGES AND CITRONS. 



In former years, large specimen trees of oranges, lemons and citrons were considered 

 almost indispensable for conservatory decoration, and it is a matter for regret that the 

 fashion should have changed in favour of more quickly-grown, hut less interesting, 

 plants. Orange trees, whether in a small or large state, are, if properly grown, orna- 

 mental at all times of the year, and are particularly so when laden with ripe fruit, 

 with, perhaps, a successional crop and a sprinkling of highly-perfumed sprays of flowers 

 on the trees at the same time. Not only are the trees ornamental, but if the right 

 varieties are grown the fruit they produce will be found, when ripe, very luscious 

 and deliciously flavoured, far exceeding in quality the bulk of imported oranges, which 

 are gathered green, ripening in their journey to this country. Citrons, lemons and limes 

 are also amenable to conservatory culture, and are especially well adapted for clothing 

 blank walls, including those of heated corridors, these positions not always being 

 favourable to the growth of ordinary flowering plants. 



Selections. 



Oranges. — Of the sweet orange (Citrus aurantium) there are plenty to select from, 

 and if the uneatable varieties had in former years been passed over in favour of those 

 with thinner rinds and pulp juicy and deliciously flavoured, one cause of waning 

 popularity would have been removed. For growing as a standard or a large bush one 

 of the best is the Maltese Blood. This variety bears freely, and although somewhat late 

 in ripening and the rind moderately thick, no fault can be found with the quality of the 

 pulp, which is red in colour. St. Michael is of a vigorous habit of growth, and an 

 abundant bearer, whether the trees are grown in pots, tubs, or planted out. The fruit 

 is large, and if ripened the same season as set, the rind is comparatively thin, while 

 the quality is excellent. Silver — another of the St. Michael Oranges — is also equally 

 well adapted for growing, either as a large standard or bush. Pernambuco. — For plant- 

 ing out, whether against a wall or in the border of a conservatory, this variety can be 

 strongly recommended. When the trees are fairly large they bear freely. The fruit is 

 large, shining, with a thin rind, and pulp firm, juicy and pleasing in flavour. Mandarin 

 and Tangierine. — These are not so robust as the varieties already named, the wood, 

 leaves and fruit all being smaller. They are best grown as bushes, succeeding well 

 planted out. The fruit of Mandarin is slightly larger than that of the Tangierine. 



