68 PEACH CULTURE. 



west side. This will shield them from the cold blasts of 

 winter, and keep them in good condition until wanted 

 the next spring. They may be still further protected by 

 throwing over them, small branches of pine or other ever- 

 green, bagasse, corn-stalks, or straw. The freer from seed 

 or grain the better, as that, sometimes attracts the mice 

 and other vermin, which often injure the trees. Here 

 they should remain until wanted for shipment or planting 

 the next spring. 



CHAPTER XL 



SELECTING A SITE FOR AN ORCHARD. 



THE first step, after the planter has either reared of 

 purchased his trees, is the selection of a site for his or- 

 chard. At first view this seems very simple ; but to in- 

 sure satisfaction several things are to be considered. 



As the young wood and fruit buds often suffer from the 

 piercing blasts of winter, a spot that is sheltered from 

 these is much to be desired. And, as they usually come 

 from the north and north-west, a site on the south, or 

 south-east, of a wood or hill, is, other things being equal, 

 greatly to be preferred. And if a cove or valley can be 

 found, surrounded on all sides by high lands, so much 

 the better. But, except in a hilly country, sites of this 

 kind cannot be found. But their value can hardly be 

 overestimated ; and the possession of such a one has 

 sometimes made the fortune of its owner. We will give 

 an instance or two. On the Alleghany river, thirty-six 

 miles above Pittsburg, resides Mr. Thomas Logan, whose 

 success in raising fine fruit, especially apples, is famous. 

 His land is good, but not better than that of many of his 

 neighbors ; his culture is good, but not better than some 



