CHAPTER XXXV. 

 NOTES ON FROST. 



[LTHOUGH this part of the South is generally 

 termed a frost-proof section, this claim does not 

 apply to tender vegetables. Citrus and tropical 

 fruits, however, are practically immune to such 

 light frosts as we have. 



The truth is good enough and we need not 

 try to impress anyone with anything but the 

 facts as they exist here to induce immigration. 

 From the middle of December until the middle of March we are 

 in more or less danger of light frosts for short intervals. These 

 frosts extend well to the south end of this peninsula. 



As to the conditions which produce damaging frosts, they 

 are as numerous as the kind of crops raised and vary with local 

 topography and proximity to bodies of timber or water. Soil 

 conditions have also considerable to do with their seventy. The 

 temperature of the air, in some instances many feet above the 

 earth, and the presence of clouds are other important controlling 

 factors also having effect. Calm or comparatively still air is a con- 

 dition which favors the formation of frost. On windy nights, the 

 air is not permitted to arrange itself in layers according to its 

 density. Ordinarily the densest and coldest air is near the surface 

 of the earth, but if it is at all windy it is kept stirred up or mixed 

 by the wind and is not allowed to settle and do injury to tender 

 vegetation. 



The prospective grower has, therefore, a great many different 

 conditions to take into consideration. For instance, a body of 

 land that lies south and east of a body of water will almost cer- 

 tainly have ample protection from frost. Soil conditions also 

 often have the effect of driving away a frost as well as bringing 

 about such conditions as will have a tendency to draw frost. 



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