214 "Wisconsin State Horticultural Societt. 



observed some curious antagonisms in isothermal lines, or rather, to- 

 be more precise, in the belt curves, adapted to some, at least, of the 

 fruits natural to the state. The northern line of pear growth in 

 "Wisconsin shows very distinctly the ameliorating effect of deep 

 bodies of water and timber upon the climate, in the cultivation of 

 fruit. This line running down from Green Bay, describes an arc 

 to the south and west, leaving the state well toward the southwest. 

 From thence it is deflected again, west and north, until the belt is 

 at last lost in the Pacific ocean, well north in Oregon. This line is 

 not indeed carried in uniform curved lines, or even moderately 

 curved lines. Sheltered situations, peculiar soils, the vicinity of 

 lakes, protecting bodies of timber, etc., carry it north, and the re- 

 verse conditions carry it south. Its northern deflection is undoubt- 

 edly due to the great outlying forests, which are well known to 

 have a wonderful effect in modifying and tempering climates. The 

 grape — those varieties possible to cultivate at all — is marked by 

 a line contrary, or nearly so, to that of the pear. Commencing in 

 the southeastern part of the state, it passes north and west toward 

 Duluth, on Lake Superior. Now the same summer temperature 

 that will ripen Dent corn, will ripen the Concord grape. But we 

 have summer temperatures that will ripen the fruit, but the winters 

 of the same locality, will kill the vine. Just here comes in the ques- 

 tion of winter protection, in the successful development of certain 

 plants. In relation to these fruit belts, we find two prime integers. 

 A lower average summer temperature in the pear belt, and proba- 

 bly a more congenial winter temperature, and a higher summer 

 temperature along the grape belt, and undoubtedly a more severe 

 winter temperature. At all events it is one of more severe fluc- 

 tuations. 



We do not know, shall not, perhaps, soon know, the exact limits 

 of fruit culture, nor how wide may be the distribution of fruits 

 in the west. "What we especially need to know is the exact limits, 

 as well as the exact capabilities of localities, and each individual 

 location. Here each person must in a great measure judge for 

 himself. Varieties vary as widely as location, and from the fact 

 that they are influenced and modified by soil exposure and various 

 other influences to which they must necessarily be exposed. From 

 this we may easily see that each individual should not only be a^ 

 careful reader of literature pertaining to his art and profession — 



