No. 6. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE. 46J 



LOCATION. 



There seems to a eousiderable diversity of opinion as to the 

 proper location or exposure of the orchard. Some claim that the 

 best results are derived from a northern slope, some from a south- 

 ern, some from an eastern and some even from a western. These 

 diffei'ent exposures all have their merits, and the most intelligent 

 and experienced orchardist is often given considerable difficulty 

 in knowing just what is the best location to select. Orchards lo- 

 cated on an eastern or northern slope i)erhaps suffer less from the 

 effects of heat and drouth than on any other location, consequently 

 the trees will retain their vigor and longevity better than if inclined 

 to the south or southwest. The advocates of a northern slope 

 contend that an orchard with such an exposure is not so quickly 

 influenced by changes of temperature in winter; besides, such 

 soils do not warm up so rapidly in spring as one with a southern 

 exposure, Avhicli receives the direct rays of the sun, consequently 

 lessening the danger of loss to buds and blossoms. 



The site, if possible, should have an elevation above its immediate 

 surroundings, thus affording a free circulation of air. A situation 

 like this will also be less subject to late spring frosts, which are 

 very often so fatal to young fruit at this period of growth. When 

 setting out an orchard for commercial purposes, select the best 

 location on the farm, but when planting, especially for family use, 

 a site in a remote and out-of-the-way place should be largely 

 avoided. The proper place for the family orchard is near the home, 

 if even a more favorable situation must be sacrificed. While the 

 orchards of our grandfathers perhaps did not always receive the 

 care and cultivation necessary to beneficial results, yet they were 

 always, comparatively speaking, located near the house, and to suc- 

 ceeding generations grandfather's old apple orchard, 'though some- 

 times with rude but ever happy surroundings, has sung itself into 

 cheerful horafes.and pleasant memories: 



"My grandfather's orchard! Ah, would I could see it 



As when in my childhood I climbed its dear trees, 



And tasted its treasures so fragrant and luscious. 



And fitted each fancy to certainly please. 



In springtime its branches with flowers were laden. 



And promised each palate exactly to suit, 



When old Time had wrought, with his wonderful magic, 



The strange transformation from flower to fruit. 



« 

 "The Yellow June Eatings, so mellow and juicy. 



The Redstreaks, so pungently acid, for pies, 



Seek-no-Furthers, and Russets, and Pearmains, and Greenings, 



Spice Sweetings and Spies, I in memory prize. 



Each name calls up visions, both pleasant and tender. 



Of scenes that have forever passed from my sight, 



Of fair summer days and long evenings of winter, 



Of tasks done by day and of frolics by night. 



