Handling of Citrus Groves. 
By B. H. Chilton. 
Mr. President , Ladies and Gentlemen: 
This to me covers a large field; for I 
am aware that with so many different 
conditions that have to be met with in the 
different qualities of soils, and modes of 
working, and before this body of wide 
experienced and practical growers, I 
hardly know where I ought to commence. 
First—I believe in thorough cultiva¬ 
tion on all common sandy soils; and com¬ 
mence fertilizing and cultivating as early 
in February as we can with safety. While 
many of us no doubt feel that there is 
some danger yet of a late cold striking 
us. But if your acreage be small, or run 
up in the hundreds, you have to take your 
chances, for there is nothing gained by 
waiting; for about this time generally, 
nature herself begins to assert itself and 
the orange tree is among the first to re¬ 
spond. 
With fertilizing we make two appli¬ 
cations a year: February and June or 
July, giving at each application io to 15 
pounds of the standard brands, Gem mix¬ 
ture or special fruit and vine, according 
to the conditions and needs. This is on 
eight to ten-year-old bearing trees. With 
the younger trees planted in grove shape 
to allow from two up to six pounds 
to the tree. I believe in blood, bone and 
potash, governing the amount according 
to the condition and size of the tree, and 
for building up your soil. With our June 
and July application of fertiliser it differs 
but little, if the season is favorable; only 
we use if possible the high grade of spe¬ 
cial mixture of the highest per cent, in 
potash, on our bearing grove. 
On our hammock grove we use less in 
ammonia and a higher per cent, in potash. 
Where the vegetation makes a heavy 
growth we find also that the die back mix¬ 
ture gives good results. For in our heavy 
timbered grove or marl hammock land, 
there is a tendency in a moist season, for 
the trees to show more or less die back 
signs. 
CULTIVATING OR CULTIVATION. 
On all old groves and sandy soil, we 
use nothing but the Planet Junior and 
Rolling Cutaway and Acme Harrow, and 
the hoe around the trees. This is kept up 
until the first of August; and in a dry 
season, if possible, I would recommend 
that the Acme Harrow be brought into ac¬ 
tive service, and all grove be gone over 
once a week. After July we let the beg¬ 
gar weed and crab grass take possession, 
which will give your trees a heavy mulch 
and shade the ground until the first of 
November. Then we begin again for 
winter protection. Using the Morgan 
Spading Harrow, which can be used both 
ways, and will cut up the growth which 
has already begun to die down, and mix- 
