474 journal of Agriculture. [ii July, 1910. 



ORCHARD STUDIES. 



III.— SHELTER BELTS. 

 E E. Pescoit, Principal, School of Horticulture, Burnley. 



Notwithstanding the fact that tlie type of fruit tree generally in culti- 

 vation in thi.s State is one that has been framed with a low crown, partly 

 with the object of placing the fruit where it would receive protection from 

 Avinds, there is a necessity in many districts for still further protection ; and 

 this necessity can only be met by the planting of shelter belts. There are 

 also many soils, especially in the level northern areas, and wind-swept 

 plains, where fruit-growing would be impossible but for such plantations. 

 The presence of irrigation channels, intersecting orchards and orchard dis- 

 tricts, provides suitable land for planting hedges, in addition to those which 

 may be planted on the outside boundaries of the estate. In some districts, 

 the Osier Willow has been planted on the channel banks for shelter pur- 

 poses, but in the space of a \qx\ few years, the roots become a serious 

 menace to the waterflow. 



Shelter belts are of two classes, viz., those planted purely for shelter, 

 and those which, in addition to providing shelter, also are of some profit to 

 the grower, by the producing of a commercial product. Of the latter class 

 are the Almond, the Fig, and the Black Achan Pear. 



The most essential point to be considered in planting shelter belts, after 

 their u.se as shelter has been decided, i.s the question as to whether the plant 

 ■or tree selected requires much or little feeding; or, in other words, whether 

 the growth of the shelter belt will reduce the production of the fruit trees 

 adjacent to it. Pepper trees, Pine trees, and the African Box Thorn are 

 undoubtedly excessively gross feeders, and should never be planted in close 

 proximity to the orchard. The rdSts of these trees and plants will extend 

 and feed at a distance of 30 or. 40 feet from their base ; and they 

 considerably deplete the soil of large quantities of organic plant foods. 



The Sugar Gum {Eucalyptus corynocalyx) is a considerably less gross 

 feeder than these, but it is more difficult to manage, and unless topped and 

 thinned in its early growth, it is not clothed with foliage and growth where 

 these are necessary. 



Among the useful plants for hedge and shelter purpo.ses is the Kaffir or 

 Kai Apple. This is a native of South-eastern Africa, and is not at all 

 difficult to grow. It rather requires a small quantity of water, and is not 

 a gross feeder. Unfortunately, it is not always of a quick growth, but it is 

 of a sturdy habit, and is densely covered with long firm thorns ; by reason 

 of this feature, it is very valuable as a protection to the orchard. In some 

 localities, it yields a golden-coloured edible fruit. 



The Tagasaste, or Tree Lucerne, is also a useful hedge and shelter 

 plant, but it is liable to be destroyed by stock, and this reduces its value as 

 a shelter belt, unless it can be effectively protected. 



A most useful plant or tree for shelter and protection purposes is the 

 Osage Orange. This tree is a native of North America. It easily becomes 

 a fine spreading tree up to 60 feet in height ; but it may readily be kept 

 at any required height by cutting. When grown as a hedge, the occasional 

 cuttings cause it to produce a very, dense, impenetrable growth, the annual 

 growth being sometimes 4 and 5 feet in length. The plant carries very 

 numerous large spines, which add to its value as a hedge. It is not at all 

 exhausting on the soil. At Bacchus Marsh, both apple trees and lucerne 

 ^row successfully in close proximity to a wind-break of osage orange which 



