. Cirtus fruits under irragation. Citrus fruits; Fruit-culture. 34 CITRUS FRUITS IJNDKR IRRIGATION §21 this earth with burlap or other heavy cloth, thus retaining the earth about the roots. The balling method is more practical than the open-root method for trees that are to be shipped. The ball of earth weighs from 40 to 60 pounds, and, of course, very materially increases freight expense, but balled trees, on account of the roots remaining in earth, seldom wilt or lose their foliage even when shipped for long distances, and this is a reason for their use. 42. If the open-root method is fol- l
. Cirtus fruits under irragation. Citrus fruits; Fruit-culture. 34 CITRUS FRUITS IJNDKR IRRIGATION §21 this earth with burlap or other heavy cloth, thus retaining the earth about the roots. The balling method is more practical than the open-root method for trees that are to be shipped. The ball of earth weighs from 40 to 60 pounds, and, of course, very materially increases freight expense, but balled trees, on account of the roots remaining in earth, seldom wilt or lose their foliage even when shipped for long distances, and this is a reason for their use. 42. If the open-root method is fol- lowed the soil is irrigated and made soft and a trench from 1^ to 2 feet deep is dug along the side of the tree row. The tap root is cut off with a spade, and then the spade is forced down on the opposite side of the tree and the tree pushed into the trench. After the earth has been shaken off from the roots they are cov- ered with wet cloth to protect them from the sun and the trees are carried to the end of the row. It is a good plan, soon after digging the tree, to dip the roots in mud of about the consistency of paint; this adheres to the roots and prevents them from becoming dry. If the trees are to be planted in the immediate neighborhood, they should be taken to their destination at once, the roots being first packed in wet straw and the tops covered with canvas to shield them from sun and wind. If they are to be shipped, the roots should be packed in damp moss and the trees boxed at once. In Fig. 13 is shown a lath house in which young citrus trees are being packed in moss. In California such half-shade structures are much used as packing and storage places, as they shield the trees from the direct sunlight and also allow the circulation of Fig. 14 §21 CITRUS i^KUIrS UNDER IRRIGATION a5 43. When the trees are to be balled a trench from 12 to 15 inches deep is dug about 5 to 6 inches from the trees, along the row, and the tap roots cut as for open-root planting.'
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