7G 



thick-skinned, as well as much later in maturing than is usual on the 

 higher ground. 



A few words concerning drainage will not be out of place, as drain- 

 age is of the utmost importance. It increases the fertility of the soil, 

 and promotes the health and vitality of the tree. In fact, this cannot 

 be too strongly impressed upon the minds of those w T ho desire to make 

 a success of orange culture. I have put in a great many drains in the 

 past fifteen years, and it is really remarkable the improvement they 

 have made in the trees. Not only that, but you can work your ground 

 easier and during a longer period, as the soil is usually lo >se and mel- 

 low. It is too commonly regarded as sufficient to sink the drains 

 merely out of the way of the plough, or, at most, out of the reach of the 

 subsoil implements. But there are reasons founded upon ascertained 

 facts why drainage systems should be deeper laid. 



The oranges to be grown in the northern counties may well be headed 

 with the Washington Navel, which may be styled king of all varieties, 

 and on account of its earliness it is certainly the leading variety for us 

 to grow. The Jaffa is an early variety, and is a great favorite with 

 many. Another variety which has taken a leading position among the 

 growers, is the Dancy Tangerine and Satsuma or Oonshiu, which are 

 both early and very fruitful. There are many other varieties grown 

 which really ought not to be encouraged as profitable trees in this sec- 

 tion, on account of their lateness. 



A few words in regard to pruning, and then I am done. If 

 carefully w r atched in their growth the trees will require little 

 pruning. Remove all crossed branches, to prevent chafing, which 

 might terminate in the dreaded gum disease. Pruning is certainly 

 overdone in a great many cases, especially by those who go about 

 styling themselves " pruners." They care little for the tree 

 or its appearance, but have a great care for the " dollars" in 

 sight. Not one in twenty understands the object and gain of well- 

 cons dered pruning. Pruning regulates the form of the tree and 

 causes it to become more fruitful, with larger and better fruit. If 

 practiced to too great an extent, the desired result is not obtained, 

 for every tree must have a sufficient amount of foliage to absorb the 

 flow of sap, otherwise it will send forth a great number of suckers, 

 which are certainly injurious to the tree. Blossom bads are produced 

 less abundantly, as the foliage is necessary to promote the health and 

 vigour of the tree. On the other hand, all dead and surplus limbs, 

 which are only harbours for dirt and vermin, should be removed from 

 the centre of the tree, to encourage fruitfulness in the centre of the 

 tree as much as possible. It should be borne in, mind, however, that 

 the citrus family has always a luxuriant and heavy growth of foliage* 



Asa conclusion to the above remarks, the best rule that can be 

 given is this : Watch your trees carefully, give them plenty of care, 

 .and keep them clean, health}' and vigorous. The golden harvest 

 will soon follow, and with it success and profit. 



