68 THE FRUIT GROWER'S GUIDE. 



acquire the size, colour, or quality of that grown in locations having the full benefit of 

 the sun, particularly in late summer and autumn. 



A slope or incline for fruit growing ought not to exceed a fall of 1 foot in 10 feet, 

 unless ridge or terrace planting is practised ; then the incline may be considerably more, 

 as the steeper the slope up to 65, the greater the benefit that will be derived from the 

 sun's rays, and elevation is the best safeguard against spring frosts. Practically there is 

 a difference of J in every 100 feet of altitude, but the inclination of the ground to the 

 sun more than compensates for any loss of heat through altitude, and the rarefaction of 

 the atmosphere is singularly favourable for solidifying the growth, and the concentration 

 of colour and quality in the fruit. 



The foot of a slope is unsuitable for fruit culture, as there is not only danger to be 

 apprehended from spring frosts, but the water draining from higher ground makes the 

 low wetter, conducing to late growth with its attendant immaturity and liability to 

 canker. Command of water from a higher source should always be kept in view when 

 preparing slopes for planting. It should be collected in reservoirs for use in droughty 

 periods ; but a rainfall of 24 to 20 inches will usually meet all the requirements of 

 hardy fruit on the lower part of slopes, or those not having a sharper incline than 

 1 foot in 30 feet, as also on level ground. Where there is a stratum of gravel, or other 

 natural drainage under the surface soil, the rainfall, though it exceed 24 to 26 inches, 

 may be inadequate ; therefore, means must be provided to afford the requisite moisture 

 in dry periods during the growing season. Level or slightly-inclining ground has the 

 advantage of being easily worked, as compared with steep declivities, and is not so 

 liable to suffer from drought, as the rain does not run off, but penetrates and keeps the 

 subsoil moist. 



There are many southerly slopes, crowned by a wood or copse on the north, and not 

 infrequently extending round to the north-east and on the opposite point to the north- 

 west in a sort of amphitheatre, admirably adapted for fruit culture. These naturally 

 favourable positions are infinitely superior to any that can be provided by planting 

 trees for shelter simultaneously with the fruit trees, as the latter will derive little 

 benefit from the screen trees until they have arrived at or passed the meridian of 

 their profitable period. Bleak and cold situations require shelter, but in these it is 

 necessary that the sheltering belts of trees be planted in advance of the fruit trees, so as 

 to afford the needful protection from exposed points by the time the fruit plantation is 

 started. 



