Not many years back, any orange was simply an orange, with but one main distinction of variety, given as to whether it came from Messina or from Havana. Then the Havana oranges, regardless of size, shape, color or quality, were the top notch, and supplied the desires of those wanting the best.

SatsuMa Orange, Cross Section.

The opening of orange culture on a commercial scale in our own Florida has changed all this, and practically driven the foreign fruit out of the market, save as poor crops at home or especial cheapness give it entrance. And our orange lovers have learned to distinguish, even in the north, between the many varieties received from Florida, and frequently between the same variety grown in different localities in the flowery state.

The writer well remembers his first acquaintance with one very distinct orange, the Mandarin type, which, from an abundant crop, strayed into the interior Pennsylvania markets a few years ago. The peculiar flattened shape attracted the eye, and a closer examination established the little fruit firmly in the favor of many who then first obtained it. The varieties of the species to which all of this type belong (Citrus Aurantium nobilis) are many, and much superior to the original form which pleased us. All possess the peculiarity of a loose skin, readily removed without breaking the skin of the interior segments.

The Satsuma - Also Called Oonshiu, Kii Seedless, Etc

The Satsuma - Also Called Oonshiu, Kii Seedless, Etc is probably the highest development of the Mandarin type. It is a pretty orange of the flattened shape of the class, but with a rougher skin than either the Mandarin or Tangierine. This most people this orange is delicious, and other varieties, however good, lose their desirability in comparison with it.

The Satsuma is said to have been introduced into Florida about 1880 by Mrs. Gen. Van Valkenburgh, who brought it from the island of Kiusiu, one of the Japanese group. Since, it has also been intro-less, and marvelously productive - a tree planted but four years on the grounds of R. D. Hoyt, at Bay View, Florida, had on it 625 fruits early in December. This tree, which is illustrated herewith from a photograph, was 4½ feet high, and about 7 feet through. This dwarf habit renders the fruit easy to gather, and the tree is exceedingly handsome and attractive in appearance, as may be imagined.

A Satsuma Grown Under Glass.

A remarkable feature of the Satsuma when budded on Citrus trifoliata stock is its hardiness, which is yet an unknown quantity, as none have ever succumbed, even where the ground has been frozen several inches deep. It is suggested that it may introduce profitable orange culture into Texas ; trees of Satsuma set there several years ago have done remarkably well. Indeed, it is possible that in a sheltered spot the variety may be hardy as far north as Delaware, and by acclimation come yet more into the so-far-forbidden land for orange culture; who knows ! With a hardy stock and a still hardier bud, the elements are certainly favorable for an extensive widening of the "orange belt".

The commercial importance of the Satsuma cannot be overestimated. The past winter one nurseryman disposed of his crop at $9 per box, wholesale, in New York, and the demand is certainly limited only by the supply, as the peculiar features of the fruit create a taste for it in any one favorably impressed at first, even where there is a dislike for the original Mandarin type. The expense of growing a crop must be less than for other varieties, so that even when the vastly increased production reduces prices, there will still be a profitable margin. The variety keeps fairly well, and packs very attractively, owing to its peculiar skin.

There has been extensive planting of budded Satsumas in Florida in the last two or three years, particularly since the trees have been offered by nurserymen at reasonable prices. A large production of the fruit may therefore be expected in the next few years, when all the county will have a chance to become acquainted with this fine variety.

Owing to the dwarf habit of the Satsuma it is ad-mirably adapted to pot culture; moderate-sized plants grown for two years only in greenhouses in Virginia, have produced 40 to 60 fruits each, and make a very handsome display when set with the oddly shaped oranges. Indeed, there can be but little question that this is one of the most valuable introductions of many years among citrus fruits.

J. Horace McFarland.