ORCHARDS 173 



are slower in wanning up in the spring. This keeps 

 the blossoms from coming out too soon and being 

 injured by late frosts. Trees set on southern slopes 

 receive more sunshine, and their fruit is more highly 

 colored. But southern slopes are usually drier than 

 northern slopes, and thus the fruit does not grow so 

 large. 



The Influence of Water. Land sloping toward a 

 river or a large body of water is good fruit land, 

 because the water keeps the air from too sudden 

 changes. The fruit should be on the slope that re- 

 ceives the wind after it has crossed the water. Air 

 near water is k^pt from getting suddenly colder 

 and there is less likelihood of frosts. (Fig. 93.) 



Kinds of Soil for Fruits. For apple, pear, and 

 plum trees a farmer should choose a deep, moist, 

 clay loam. A sandy loam is better for peaches and 

 cherries. 



Preparation of Fruit Land. The soil should be 

 prepared as carefully for a fruit orchard as for corn. 

 It is plowed deep for planting the trees, so the roots 

 may reach out far and wide for food. The surface 

 should be harrowed to a dust mulch. If the field 

 is wet and swampy, it must be drained. 



Planting Trees. The trees may be planted either 

 in the spring or fall. If the soil is in good shape, 

 fall planting is better, because the trees get a start 

 before winter. To make tillage easy the rows should 

 be straight. Apple trees are commonly planted forty 

 feet apart each way, but sometimes they are planted 



