9 8 



3. STATEMENTS FROM LEADING AUTHORS. 



It [the fruit garden] should be screened on the north and the east, either 

 by high walls and fences, or, what is far better, either by hills or a deep and 

 dense border of 'evergreen or other forest trees, intermixed with fruit trees 

 and shrubs of ornament. Kenrick, New American Orchardist, ix (1832). 



As our native forests become cleared away the climate is changed and be- 

 comes more harsh ; hence it is found desirable to construct some kind of 

 protection from the point of most destructive harsh winds and storms. 

 Belts of trees, either evergreen or diciduous, or both mixed, and surround- 

 ing or placed so as to screen from the northeast, north, and northwest, are 

 considered highly advantageous. Downing, Fruits and Fruit Trees of 

 America, 54. 



The atmospheric changes and conditions we cannot control, and we can 

 modify them only in a very limited degree, by hedges, by timber belts, and 

 by evergreen screens, the value of which begins to be appreciated. War- 

 der, American Pomology, 207. 



In localities exposed to the sweep of winter winds, belts of evergreen or 

 deciduous trees will be found of great service. In all instances where the 

 side of an orchard, exposed to the prevailing winds, is less successful and 

 productive than the opposite side, proof is afforded that shelter would be 

 beneficial ; belts, especially if of deciduous trees, standing too near fruit 

 trees, have, however, rather injured than benefitted them. The orchard 

 should be beyond the reach of their shade and roots, and be well exposed to 

 sun and air. Thomas, Fruit Culturist, new ed., 48. 



If possible, a situation should be chosen where some natural obstacle, as 

 a hill, or a belt of woods, would break the force and influence of these de- 

 structive winds. Where no such obstacle naturally exists, a belt or border of 

 rapidly growing trees * * * * should be planted simultaneously with the 

 planting of the orchard. * * * Instances occur every year in our own sec- 

 tion where sheltered orchards bear full crops, whilst those fully exposed to 

 the winds fail entirely. Barry, Fruit Garden, new ed., 176. 



Although having an orchard closely pent up by trees, etc., is injurious, 

 nevertheless a screen of forest trees, at such distance from the fruit trees as 

 that the latter will not be shaded by them, is of very great service in pro- 

 tecting the trees in spring from severe cold winds. Bridgeman, Gardener's 

 Assistant, by Todd, IL 39. 



As the young wood and fruit buds [of the peach] often suffer from the 

 piercing blasts of winter, a spot that is sheltered from these is much to be 

 desired. And, as they usually come from the north and northwest, a site 

 on the south or southeast of a wood or hill is, other things being equal, 

 greatly to be preferred. Fulton, Peach Culture, 68. 



To shelter an orchard from the prevailing wind is often more important 

 even than the aspect ; for pear trees, especially when heavily laden with 

 fruit and exposed to a wind storm, will suffer more injury from being 



