A Ccmsideration of Adverse Temperatures 323 



on the approach of cold weather. The limbs are then drawn 

 together as much as possible and held in that position by 

 passing a cord around them once or twice and tying it 

 tightly. Then about the tree are placed small evergreen 

 trees, corn-stalks, or some other suitable material which in 

 turn are drawn closely to the tree and held in position by 

 binding tightly with rope or some other stout cord. In some 

 cases, stakes are driven into the ground in close contact with 

 the covering for the purpose of protecting the tree against 

 the strain from high winds. 



In many cases, even in regions of rather extreme winter 

 temperature, this method has been beneficial, saving a good 

 proportion of the fruit-buds where on unprotected trees they 

 have been all or nearly all killed. There is considerable 

 evidence, however, which indicates that much of the benefit 

 is due to the shade afforded by the covering at certain times, 

 rather than to protection against cold. 



The tendency where this method is used is to remove the 

 covering too early in the spring. Serious injury has followed, 

 sometimes, when it was taken off immediately on the passing 

 of the period of extreme temperatures ; but when left on, in 

 part at least, until after the tree has blossomed and set fruit, 

 the beneficial results are not lost. 



WHITEWASHING THE TREE AS A MEANS OF 

 PROTECTION 



The fact that the buds of a tree, in starting into growth in 

 the spring, respond to the temperature of the air rather than 

 to the condition of the soil is not fully appreciated. If the air 

 is warm enough for a sufficient length of time, a peach or 

 other fruit-tree may blossom while its roots are still in ground 



