THE ORCHARD CROP 267 



at which cold air will stand in low places depends upon the area 

 from which cold air drains into it, just as the depth of the water 

 in a lake or river depends upon the drainage area of the basin. 



345. Bodies of water. Bodies of water, if large or deep, 

 temper the climate of the surrounding region. The water 

 warms slowly in spring, thus retarding the opening of the 

 buds and lessening the danger from late frosts. Also, the 

 water cools slowly in autumn and prevents early frosts that 

 might do serious damage to the ripening fruit. Such influence 

 is most marked on land adjoining the ocean, and gives what is 

 known as a maritime climate, comparatively free from abrupt 

 changes in temperature. Lakes and rivers exert a similar influ- 

 ence, although extending over a much smaller area. The west- 

 ern part of Michigan, for example, is a notable peach region, 

 because the prevailing winds have been tempered in passing 

 over Lake Michigan. On the opposite side of the lake peach 

 growing is not so successful, because the prevailing winds have 

 passed over the land of Wisconsin instead of over the water 

 of Lake Michigan. 



346. Varieties to plant. Any orchard region is capable of 

 growing several good varieties. Experience is the best guide 

 as to what varieties to plant. For the home orchard the varie- 

 ties should be chosen to give a succession of fruit. The collec- 

 tion should include one or two trees each of early varieties, but 

 the main orchard should consist of the winter varieties. Com- 

 mercial orchards should consist of the standard varieties that are 

 known to be adapted to the region and have a well-established 

 place on the market. 



347. How to prepare the land. The preparation of the land 

 for planting fruit trees is similar to the preparation of a seed 

 bed for wheat or corn or cotton. The ground should be plowed 

 deep, thoroughly harrowed, and put in condition, so that when 

 the trees are planted they may be cultivated like any other 

 tilled crop. Prevention of growth of weeds and conservation of 

 moisture of the soil are important considerations in growing 

 orchard trees. 



