Location and Site of the Orchard , 45 



ent slopes may have different temperatures seems to be made 

 evident in the common observation in many peach districts 

 by the rapidity with which snow melts on southern slopes 

 in comparison with corresponding northern slopes. But 

 this evidence is at the surface of the ground. A few feet 

 above the ground, where the air has perfectly free circula- 

 tion, the difference in temperature that may exist at the 

 surface on two opposing slopes, if they are not too steep, 

 largely disappears. Hence, the tops of the trees on different 

 slopes may be in essentially the same temperature even 

 though there are appreciable differences at the surface of 

 the ground. However, the slope factor is largely one of 

 degree, so far as it requires consideration in selecting orchard 

 sites. Peach trees on a site having a very steep southern 

 slope will usually blossom and the fruit will ripen somewhat 

 earlier than on a corresponding northern slope, but where 

 the differences in slope are only moderate their relative 

 influence on the time of blossoming and ripening is not very 

 marked. Whether early or late blossoming is desirable 

 is largely a local matter and depends primarily on the rela- 

 tive dates of blossoming and the usual occurrence of spring 

 frosts in any locality or on any site. The slope is, therefore, 

 fundamentally but another factor which goes to make up 

 local climate. 



The local climate of a site may be influenced at times or 

 perpetually modified by still other factors. Its slope with 

 reference to the prevailing winds, the presence of shelter 

 belts, windbreaks, or natural barriers such as mountain 

 ranges, may have a modifying influence and where they 

 occur should be taken into account in selecting a site. 



The best site, other things being equal, is the one where 

 the natural conditions are so combined in their favorable 



