THE CULTIVATION OF CITRUS FRUITS IN THE WEST INDIES. 439 



where suckers have developed unrecognised until the fruiting period, 

 when, of course, it was too late to remedy the evil. This is one of the 

 reasons why it is much better for the planter to bud and raise his own 

 stock instead of purchasing from nurseries, for then he knows exactly at 

 what height the union was made. 



Beyond the pruning out of all dead wood, which, of course, should be 

 done immediately, and the removal of branches too near the ground, very 

 little pruning is required during the first two years. The object to be kept 

 in view in pruning a Citrus tree is the removal of all interior branches 

 which would prevent free circulation of air and light. 



When early fruiting is desired the trees should be thoroughly pruned 

 m November, when all fruits, dead wood, and dying branches should be 



