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SUMMARY. 



The Porters loam is the most extensive soil type in the central por- 

 tion of the eastern ranges and upon the eastern peaks of the Appa- 

 lachian Mountains. 



It occupies all of the altitudes from the lower foothills at about 

 1,000 feet above sea level to altitudes of 4,000 or 5,000 feet. In 

 general the surface is rolling to mountainous and the drainage is 

 adequate to excessive. 



Among the general farm crops there is a considerable range in the 

 different localities where the Porters loam is found, since cotton may 

 be grown at the lower elevations in South Carolina and in North 

 Carolina, while corn, winter wheat, oats, and grass occupy the inter- 

 mediate altitudes, and potatoes, rye, buckwheat, and grass are grown 

 even at the highest altitudes. 



Irish potatoes and cabbages are the most important special crops 

 grown upon this type. 



Certain varieties of the red apples are produced to advantage 

 within the " thermal belt " upon the Porters loam. In general, how- 

 ever, little attention has thus far been paid to apple orcharding upon 

 the type. 



In addition to the crop production at present dominant over the 

 Porters loam, it is desirable that the dairy industry should be estab- 

 lished to utilize the crops now grown, and particularly to utilize 

 extensive areas of natural pasturage upon the steeper slopes. In this 

 connection the grazing of sheep and swine is also desirable. 



The steeper slopes are all subject to destructive erosion at times of 

 heavy rainfall. Many such slopes should be reforested and some of 

 them should never have been occupied for agricultural purposes. 



The Porters black loam is an important soil type of less extent than 

 the Porters loam, which is found principally in Virginia and North 

 Carolina in the coves and upon the slopes of the Blue Ridge and 

 upon the higher slopes of the Black Mountains, the Newfound Moun- 

 tain, and the other high ridges of western North Carolina. 



The surface of the type is always sloping and frequently steep to 

 rugged or mountainous. It is only within the coves or upon the more 

 gentle slopes that agricultural occupation has gained any foothold. 

 The higher altitudes are principally occupied by heavy deciduous 

 forest. 



The Porters black loam is essentially a special-crop soil, being the 

 type upon which the Albemarle Pippin reaches its highest develop- 

 ment and gives its most profitable returns. For the proper produc- 

 tion of the Albemarle Pippin the sheltered coves and northward 

 slopes within the " thermal zone " are best suited. Upon eastern and 

 southern slopes the red varieties of apples and certain varieties of 

 peaches and grapes are also successfully produced. 



