The Kenosha telegraph. [volume] (Kenosha, Wis.) 1860-1888, 1886-04-09
ORCHARD SITES.
Ad~3ntae IS to Be Derived from North
en- and Eastern Exposure.

4
| en- and Eastern Exposure.
A few FEARS since it was the almost
universal practice, when possible, to
set orchards in well-protected valleys,
or upon the east or south side of for
est or hill having a southern expos
uGe, or in any place that was warm.
Bn&experience and observation have
developed the fact that one of the most
undesirable places for fruit orchard
Is IN the rich lands of a contracted,
sheltered valley. In such localities the
trees are subjected to great extremes
OF temperature, often at the critical
period when fruit is setting or ripen-
ing. difference of nearly twenty de-
| greesis sometimes observed between tn
temperature of the valley and less than
eighty feet up the adjoining hillside
enough difference, in fact, to endanger
the whole crop.
In q protected valley the earth is
warmer in the early spring, buds are
sooner put forth, and as frost occurs
later in the spring and soon in the
| autumn in these sheltered places, the
most advanced buds are frequently in
jured, as well as unripened fruit.
But not only is there great danger
and loss from extreme temperature.
Often the damp, foggy atmosphere of
the low ands favors the MULTIPLICATION
of destructive insects, fungi and disease
in the limbs and leaves of the tree it.
| self, as those who have studied the sub
ject are well aware.
The valleys are usually more fertile
than the surrounding hillsides or up
lands, and the trees make a more Wig
orous growth, frequently continuing to
grow SO late in the season that the
wood is not wholly ripened Hence it
frequently fails to stand the severe cold
OF winter, and thus fruit buds are de-
stroyed, or the luxuriant growth made
each year is too heavy for the develop
ment of fruit. The result is that until
the soil becomes more sterile we are
not assured of fine fruit crop.
Many who, for the above or other
causes have failed in fruit-growing in
valleys, have gone to the other ex-
IRENE, and set their trees high up on
the hills, or on the bleak, unprotected
north side. | have seen fine orchards
and most excellent fruit produced in
northern exposures; yet, generally
| speaking, the soil is more sterile, and
unless peculiarly protected by sur
rounding hills the loss is considerable
from high winds whipping off the fruit
when at and near maturity.
In choosing a site for an orchard, it
should be remembered that sunlight
and plenty of air are necessary for the
production of the most valuable, best
favored and finely developed fruit,
both as regards size and color. These
points are secured by northern and
eastern exposure. When located on
upland, forest protection on the west
or the point from which the heaviest
winds prevail is of great value. In abb
sence of such protection, screen con-
sisting of a double row of cyergreens
will not only prove a good protection,
but add much to the appearance and
STABILITY of the place. If set at the
time the orchard is, by the time trees
are in bearing it will present strong
wind-break, increasing in efficacy each
succeeding year. In bleak locations
set the orchard SO that it will protect
the dwelling from heavy winds, thus
securing at once comfort and a supply
of frIlit-GOT " " Ernqni91er