The Ocala banner. (Ocala, Marion County, Fla.) 1883-194?, 1921-12-02

<by r. =. Moore, County Agricultural Agent
The following articles tell Of the remark
able possibilities of Marion County.
We have SET forth as clearly and con-
cisely as we are able what is being actually
done by our truckers and citrus growers.
The figures and data have been submitted to
practical men engaged in the different lines,
men who have been engaged in their pro-
duction here and who might be considered
authorities or specialists on the particular
crops upon the write up of which they pass
ed Judgment.
If there is other information wanted on
any crop here presented. or upon others
not named, the County agricultural Agent
or the Secretary of the Marion County
Board of Trade will be glad of the oppor-
tunity to obtain and furnish the information
desired. They will also furnish the names
of truckers and growers who Will be or any
assistance that they may.
In subsequent issue OF the MAKION
COUNTY FLORIDIAN it is planned to give
this kind of information relative to Marion
Countys livestock and general farming sue
cesses and possibilities.
Citrus Fruits
The citrus fruit industry is one OF the
most important in Marion County
Oranges, grapefruit, and tangerines are
crown here. some Of the finest groves in
Florida being located in Marion County.
Moreover, Marion County has advantages
over other sections for the growing OF cit
rus fruit A high quality of fruit, both in
flavor and color, is produced here, pack
ing fifty to seventy-fve per cent first grade
and better. and considerable quantity be-
ing fancy fruit Marion County fruit is
ready for market early. The "Parson
Brown" orange is ready for shipping several
weeks earlier than oranges OF other sec 3
tinns. The Pineapple" orange is ready
for the market November to February. The
grapefruit and tangerines are also ready
~lxx fxxrn MO crsaao III
grown in Florida were developed in Marion
County, the Pineapple" which originated at
Citra in this. county, and the "Parson
Brown which originated in Sumter County
hut was developed on the shores OF Lake
Weir in Marion County. This county is near
er the market, and therefore enjoys lower
freight rates on fruit. Because of heavier
soils here, less commercial fertilizer is re-
CURED. There are fewer diseases in this
section Spraying is advisable, however.
The trees are harder. This is the original
home of the sour orange. The first buddei
groves IN Florida were budded on sour
orange roots of trees found growing wild
in this county. Sour orange stock is the
most important stock used for citrus trees.
Marion County nursery stock, for this rea-
son, is much in demand.
The citrus groves of this county, like those
of all other sections of Florida and Cali
fornia are subject to damage during certain
years from cold weather. These severe
freezes are very infrequent The freezes
that have affected the citrus trees in Flor
ida have done no more damage in this
county than they have in others. Because
of the possibility of damage from cold, it
is advisable here as elsewhere, to plant
groves on the higher lands and with water
protection where possible.
The following figures will give general
idea of the cost of producing oranges and
grapefruit in this county Land, $50 to
500 an acre. with higher prices for the
more favorable locations Clearing, S25 to
800 an acre, the hammock lands costing
the most to clear. Fencing, SIG to $40 an
acre, varying with the kind of fence and
market price of materials Trees Is cents
to $3.50 each. Cost of planting, about
ten cents per tree. Cultivating and fertiliz-
ing, SIS to SIS an acre, the latter figure
being about the cost when the grove has
reached its seventh year On the heavier
soils groves have been brought into bear
ing in this county without the use of COM
mercial fertilizer. The use of fertilizer is
advisable, however. In mature groves it
costs from so cents to so cents a box to pro-
duce fruit. About seventy trees to the acre
are usually planted. The yield per tree will
run from about half to box the fourth
year to three or four boxes the seventh year.
Mature trees will yield as high as fifteen
boxes each. The approximate return for
the fruit is about $3.50 per box on the trees.
Picking, hauling and packing costs about
So cents to 80 cents per box. Extra fancy
fruit from this county has sold as high as
$14.25 box at auction in New York. One
grove in this county, during the 1920 sea-
son. sold all of its fruit, including culls,.
for an average price of $3.S5 per box
Citrus fruit is marketed through the
Florida Citrus Exchange, cooperative
organization, and through independent
packing houses and marketing firms.
Tomatoes
~ - AT
County's best truck crop. The quality of
the tomato produced in this section is high.
1t carries exceptionally we'll, and this last
ally conceded that the best quality of
tomatoes shipped out of Florida this year
0921) were from this county. The high
land soils of this county are not sub
ject to flooding. Marion has an advantage
in freight rates by reason of a shorter haul
The crop of this section is shipped before
Mississippi and Texas are ready
The Florida Special is the most popular
variety. The Earlianna is heavy yielder.
The XXI is an early variety planted. but is
not popular. The seed is planted in the
field from February 1st to 10th. The crop
is marketed about May 18th. 1t is planted
on hammock lands and heavy pine lands.
New land is better than old The ferti-
lizer used is usually 4-S-5. About 1000 lbs.
to the acre is used, in three applications
the first ten days before plantings second
about thinning out time and the last about
time the fruit SETS Constant cultivation is
necessary especially in dry weather The
crop. should be sprayed with Pyrox or