252 Mississipjn Valley Horticultural Society. 



local conditions. Thus, shade and shelter may modify the extremes and 

 rapid transitions of temperature, but not to change the mean annual tem- 

 perature. Extensive forests conserve moisture and rainfall, giving it a more 

 equal and extended distribution ; but this prolongs growth, and thus makes 

 the plant more sensitive to the inevitable changes which must follow. And 

 so the rich prairies of the Northwest do not want close protection, but must 

 have a free circulation of air, to secure mature and hardy wood. Large 

 bodies of water, which admit of a free passage of air over them, are of greater 

 value in modifying climate than forests, and are permanent. 



Artificial soil drainage is of great value in adjusting the little balance of 

 temperature which favors or prevents an untimely frost, also to promote an 

 early growth as well as early maturity. But a good natural drainage, from a 

 porous subsoil, is much more desirable and economical to the commercial 

 fruit-grower. The first attainable only at a great outlay, while the latter is 

 •' free soil." 



In all countries where a "short, warm summer" necessitates rapid growth, 

 only sheltered valleys and warm hillsides are chosen for the growth of all the 

 crops; but where the heat of summer is prolonged into late autumn, the 

 fruit-grower chooses the hill-top or the cool northern slope for his orchard. 

 So we find everywhere that while art may modify and assist, it is first and 

 best to recognize and accept nature's provisions for the successful growth of 

 desirable fruits. 



In this work we have the experience of practical men, as well as the re- 

 researches of science, and even nature herself points unerringly to her 

 adaptation, as seen in the natural distribution of plant life; a most wonderful 

 and instructive school, and free to all. 



But here comes in this insatiable desire to grow everything, so to speak; 

 to enlarge the list of varieties and species beyond the bounds of economy or 

 certainty. This is laudable when one can afford it, but too often indulged in 

 at the expense of both profit and ultimate pleasure. There is often much 

 pleasure in a growing plant, but there should be more in its flower and fruit- 

 Natural adaptation says " thus far and no farther,"' and we do well to heed 

 the admonition. 



Says an anonymous writer: " Common sense teaches us the impossibility 

 of finding in one spot all the requirements of successful culture of fruit for 

 which we may crave; geology is, therefore, not to be blamed for the failure 

 of finding it. But common sense, independent of abstract science, goes even 

 further, and teaches that certain districts of the country are more favorable 

 to fruit culture, and especially to the highest perfection of certain kinds of 

 fruits, than the generality of the country. And here geology comes in quite 

 handy to teach us where those districts are to be found and for what reason 

 their superiority exists, quite independently of any difference in the cli- 

 mate." 



Colonel J. H. Stevens, one of the pioneers of Minnesota, says: "There is 

 nothing so instructive and useful to the fruit groAver as a study of our own 



