The Brownsville daily herald. [volume] (Brownsville, Tex.) 1897-1910, 1909-04-03
Gulf Coast Holds Comfort

anu RoOuluWSSlSTu Asia ana III tue
olden times was found on the Eu-
pirates; it was introduced by the
Spanish at an early period. In the
United States We have not yet grown
this valuable plant as a commercial
crop, because as yet no variety has
been found that can be made
sure of as to its fruiting, for the
date palm is very irregular in its
frufting period. By the help of the
experiment stations, which are now
in vogue, there is little doubt that
varieties viii soon be found which
win be beneficial to our great South
west. Occasionally suckers which
have been imported may be found in
California, Florida and Arizona.
These are said to be of excellent quail
ity. 1t may be said that the climate
of the valley is similar to thVse
states just mentioned, and, providing
that a certain variety is found that
will stand our northers. one cannot
I help but think that a future lies be-
fore the date here. The date palm
thrives in a semi-arid climate and
requires great heat in the summer
when ripening its fruits. A tempera-
ture which is fatal to the orange and
/ fig is not too hot or cold for the
date palm, but the fruit is much
tenderer than the plant, and it viii
not fruit everywhere the tree
will grow. A temperature from IS
| to so degrees being imperative AL
though the date thriyes in a dry hot
climate, it is essential that its roots
be always moist: hence, the reason
that one discovers it in the oasis
Of the deserts. An old saying
among the Arabs is that the date
palm loves its head in the fire and its
feet in the water.
The date palm thrives in land con-
tanning some alkali, and water may
be given it which contains a consid-
cradle amount of these chemicals,
without injuring the plant. 1t would
be a good scheme for some farmer to
plan a few trees in a low spot and If
rigate with his drainage.
In starting a plantation the best
way is to clear land OF all brush and
rubbish, construct irrigation bitches,
pillow thoroughly with plow and sub
soiler and harrow level enough to
maintain drainage. Plant trees so
| by 80 so as to allow plenty of air
around each plant and also to avoid
icFowding. When planting if small
| load of well rotted stable manure
mixed thoroughly with soil
dumped into hole with plant, it viii
/ be found very beneficial in the end
Do not plant too deep, just deep
enough so the base of the ball is
/ just below the level Of the surface.
The soil around the base should be
firm. If this is insured, it viii pre-
vent rotting out. After plants are in
/ the ground. If possible, shade for a
| few days and give two or three irri-
cations by furrow system or sub ir-
rigation. The latter preferred. Do
not let water come in contact with
heart of plant as this is certain to be
fatal. After a few days, turn in and
cultivate well with five tooth harrow
and spike tooth which ought to leave
the ground in perfect condition If
desirable, fruit trees and truck can
be planted or grown between the
rows; also. alfalfa which will help
to enrichen the soil If this is prac-
ticed, sufficient room should be al
lowed each side of the date palm
to allow the passing of a cultivator
occasionally. Irrigating should be
practiced late in the afternoon to
prevent scalding to which the palm is
subject The timber OF the date
palm can be used for the conStruc-
ton of houses. basket work and sew
eral other useful things. Its leaves
produce a lovely shade and it seems,
taking all things into consideration,
that some of the $50, if not ali
spent in the importation of date into
this country per year, can eventually
be kept at home, for we get cleaner
fruit and better fruit. for the habits
of the packers in Southwestern Asia
are not what an American would
like
The propagation of the date palm
may be effected by seed or suckers
The former is not practiced except
by experts who wish to improve va
rieties. Also seeding is not profita-
able, for in general way. so pei
cent of the trees are male If a grow
er wishes to pant seed the following
is d good cheap way. Choose a warm
corner where water is easily obtained
pillow well and mark off in burrows
three feet apart. burrows being fouI
inches deep. Drop seel six inches
apart and cover with soil and sand
It will take from three to four weeks
for the seed to Yegetate. Irrigate
when necessary. When one foot high
or when character leaves show. life
with ball of earth around roots
and transfer to final place, or if or
namentals are needed. transfer to G. S
or 10 inch pots. Seeding is the
proper manner for securing orna-
mentais- The best way to propa-
gate for commercial or orchards is
by offshoots, or suckers from trees OF
known value. These are found at
the base of large trees. These begin
Suckerine from five tn eiy md oeoce