— io6 — 



writer is able to learn, this sort of injur}' from windbreaks is con- 

 fined to those regions which are directl}^ influenced by bodies of 

 water. The eastern shore of Lake Michigan has furnished many 

 examples. Most growers in that region demand a free circulation 

 of air from the lakeward, while desiring protection from the east. 

 (Cf. Mr. Cook's letter in Table V.) This exjierience, however, 

 does no*" argue that windbreaks should be entirely abolished on 

 the lakeward sides of plantations, but that such breaks should be 

 thin enough to allow of the passage of wind, while breaking its 

 force. In such places, a windbreak should be what its name im- 

 plies, a wind-break, not a wind-stop. 



The advantages of windbreaks in lessening windfalls, and in 

 preventing the breaking of trees do not appear to be sufficiently 

 understood. In sections which are influenced by large bodies 

 of water, or when the fruits grown are sufficientl}' hardy to en- 

 dure the most trying winds, these are the chief advantages of 

 shelter belts, and are ample reason for planting them. The 

 greater facility with which labor can be performed in windy 

 weather, under the protection of a windbreak, is worth considera- 

 tion. 



The injuries sustained through the greater abundance of insects 

 immediately adjoining the VvHudbreak, are easily overcome with 

 the modern spraying devices. There are many instances in which 

 the windbreak lessens the vigor of one or two adjoining rows of 

 fruit trees, but such injur}' appears to occur only wdiere cultivation 

 is poor, or where the windbreak has already obtained a good foot- 

 hold when the fruit is set. The writer has examined a number of ex- 

 cellent plantations this 5'ear in which the rows next the windbreak 

 are as vigorous and productive as any in the orchard. In fact, a 

 number of good observers declare that best fruit and greatest pro- 

 ductiveness occur next the windbreak. Figures 2 and 3, show, 

 respectively, thrifty raspberries and peaches next the windbreak. 



The following, from T. G. Yeomansand Sons, Walwotth, Wayne 

 Co.,. New York, who have had extensive and pronounced experi- 

 ences with windbreaks, is a judicious statement of the advantages 

 to be derived from shelter belts : 



" We have been extensively engaged in fruit culture for over forty years, 

 and now have in bearing about 130 acres of apple orchard, 10 acres of dwarf 

 pears, 10 of orange quince, and small fruits. For many years we have ex- 

 perimented with windbreaks, and now have many artificial shelter belts of 

 various kinds and ages, the oldest having been planted nearly thirty years. 

 We consider windbreaks to be of the greatest value to fruit culture, and we 



