VIOLENT WINDS. 33 



3. Severe ivinds are often followed by most dis- 

 astrous results. Trees are broken down, and fre- 

 quently torn out of the ground by the roots, when 

 exposed to its full power upon an unprotected plain. 

 This is one of the most serious difficulties of fruit- 

 growing upon some of the prairie lands of the West, 

 but one which is easily overcome. Belts of pines, 

 or other evergreens, planted at the most exposed 

 point, will in a great measure prevent injury. In 

 more hilly districts the strong winds may not be 

 from the west ; currents draw through the valleys, 

 and the shields must be placed at the point of ex- 

 posure. In early summer, when the tree has just 

 started its young growth, a more than ordinary wind 

 will so whip these young shoots against each other 

 as to change the whole appearance of the orchard 

 in a very short time : when, a few hours before, each 

 tree was beautifully green, now all of the young 

 leaves upon the ends of the shoots have become 

 bruised, black, and dead. The tree will soon recover 

 from the injury; but the rapid elaboration of the 

 sap has been checked, and much growth lost. 



In the vicinity of Boston there prevails annually 

 a severe northwest wind, about th& twentieth of 

 September, which strips from the trees hundreds of 

 bushels of fruit. This injury might be prevented, 

 in a great measure, by proper shelter. 



Positions where the air is stagnant should be also 

 carefully avoided. The atmosphere contains a cer- 



