factor, as at Vernon, irrigation is not necessary as early as where snowfall is much 

 lighter, as in the southern end of the Okanagan Valley. On the Coast snowfall is 

 rare, though some sections, particularly in proximity to the mountain-ranges, have 

 more or less. 



The minimum winter temperature is one of the principal determining factors in 

 choosing varieties of fruit, especially in the Interior. In the Coast regions, where 

 zero temperatures are rarely encountered, practically all the varieties of the tem- 

 perate regions can be grown, as far as this factor is concerned, with equal success ; 

 but in the Interior it is very necessary that varieties be chosen w r hich are likely to 

 stand the minimum winter temperature without damage. The blossom-buds of prac- 

 tically all' varieties of peaches are frozen by a temperature of 14 or 15 degrees below 

 zero, and, in consequence, peaches are successful only in a limited number of areas. 

 The buds of cherries, especially some sweet varieties, suffer at slightly lower tem- 

 peratures, while the tenderer apples, such as Newtown, Spitzenberg, and Cox's 

 Orange, are apparently injured at around - 25 degrees. The Mclntosh and Wealthy 

 stand as low temperatures as are experienced in any of our old fruit districts without 

 injury to either wood or fruit-bud. In more northerly or higher sections, even 

 hardier kinds must be used. 



In the variety list submitted, the question of winter injury has been given almost 

 first consideration, and the varieties given may be counted on to stand practically 

 free from winter injury. In some of our principal fruit-producing sections, winter 

 injury of tender varieties has been the cause of greater loss than all other factors 

 combined, but experiment has proceeded so far that this factor becomes almost 

 negligible in the planting of new kinds. 



The duration of periods of low temperature, and the amount of wind with which 

 they are accompanied, should be considered with absolute minimum temperatures in 

 considering the effects of freezing, as the duration of the freeze and the amount of 

 wind aid materially in causing injury. 



The humidity of the air in winter is a great factor in the amount of injury 

 caused by freezing. The greater the humidity, the less injury is caused. This factor 

 has, however, been also considered in recommending choice of varieties. 



(3.) ALTITUDE. 



The higher the altitude, the shorter the growing season and the cooler the 

 summer. Many varieties of fruit in higher altitudes become inferior in size, in 

 colour, and particularly in productiveness. It is true, however, that the higher in 

 altitude any variety can be successfully grown, the better is its texture and keep- 

 ing quality. Practically no fruit is being produced in British Columbia over 3,500 

 feet above sea-level, and it is very unlikely that commercial fruit-growing can be 

 conducted successfully over 2,000 feet, except in specially favoured locations w r here, 

 either from the topography of the land or the mildness of the climate, or excep- 

 tionally remunerative local markets, the detrimental effects of high altitudes are 

 discounted. 



None of the Interior fruit sections of British Columbia have an altitude of less 

 than 800 feet, and the average altitude at which fruit is being produced in largest 

 quantity commercially at the present time is between 1,200 and 1,400 feet. The fruit 

 produced at 1,600 to 2,000 feet is, however, notably good in keeping quality and for 

 dessert purposes. At the higher altitudes many varieties, which are only fall apples 

 ordinarily, become good Christmas or even late winter apples. 



(4.) THE INFLUENCE OF THE ORCHARD-SITE ON THE CHOICE OF VARIETIES. 



The proximity of the orchard to large bodies of open water has many beneficial 

 effects in the prevention of frost, in the modification of winter temperature, and in 

 increasing the humidity of the air. Such a location is desirable for practically all 

 kinds of fruit, but is especially desirable where tender varieties or those subject 

 to frost are most desired. The presence of deep water is one of the best forms 

 of insurance, in planting any kind of fruit, against vicissitudes of climate at any 



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