REC; 
% SEP1 0 1954 
WARD’S NURSERY 
P. O. BOX 846 
AVON PARK, FLORIDA 
eS aac 
August 25, 1954 
Dear Mr. Citrus Grower: 
Mutual’s figure of $1.21 on-tree average for oranges this past season brought varied reactions —- disappointment 
from those who sold for $1.00 or less and unmitigated pleasure from the lucky boys who received $1.50 or more. 
But all in all, it was another successful season and a spirit of optimism prevails on the coming crop. It was a good 
year for us too. For the year ending June 30, 1954 we moved 100,655 nursery trees — 44% of which were Va- 
lencia. We sold out of available Valencia and Pineapple before December 1953 and reluctantly turned down orders for 
thousands more. 
We expect a repeat of this trend this season. Although we have increased our budding schedule, we have already accepted 
enough advance orders to indicate that we will again sell out of Valencia and Pineapple before December. Therefore, 
we urge you to place your orders now — don’t wait and be disappointed. 
A copy of our new price list is enclosed. You will note a slight advance in prices over last year’s list, but comparison 
with prices of other reputable nurseries will show we are in line. The fact is that we held our prices from November 
1950 although labor and other costs rose 20% in that period. At the same time we are furnishing superior 
quality trees by following procedures recommended by the Plant Board and the experiment stations. 
A matter of serious interest to purchasers of citrus nursery stock is the freedom from the nematode causing “‘spread- 
ing decline’. It is no secret that several nurseries have been quarantined because of infestation. In almost every case 
these nurseries had used the same land repeatedly for growing stock. We and a few other progressive nurseries have 
always used new land for nursery planting. This has been an expensive practice but one that assures our customers of 
receiving nematode-free stock. We have just completed lining out 30 acres of new land for 1955 budding and are 
currently clearing land for 1956 and later years. We shall be glad to show anyone these plots and the nursery blocks 
from which our current production will be dug. 
Just a word of caution to those now planting citrus trees. The best insurance of a ‘‘good live’ is plenty of water. 
We recommend using 12 -15 gallons of water in planting the trees and making a large enough cup to hold this much 
for subsequent waterings. The newly planted tree should be watered the second or third day and again the 
sixth or seventh day and as often thereafter as needed. Do not let the trees go into a severe wilt. Do not depend 
upon rains, even in the rainy season. Proper watering will pay for itself by giving you a 99% ‘“‘live’’ while skimping 
may cause severe setback or loss. 
Lemons are in the spotlight. Considerable talk, speculation, and unfounded claims are being made. We suggest that 
all available facts be had before going into this in a big way. Repeated tests show that the Avon Lemon, developed 
and propagated by us, stands at the top of the lists for concentrate purposes. We expect to have a limited supply for 
Spring planting. 
Let us invite and urge you to visit our nursery and observe our cultural practices. We believe we raise the best nursery 
stock in the State — let us prove it to you. 
Very truly yours, 
W. F. Ward, Proprietor 
WARD'S NURSERY 
Library 
US. Department of Agriculture 
