58 The Principles of Fruit-growing. 



THE SITE FOR THE FRUIT PLANTATION. 



As a rule, especially in northern countries, the 

 ideal site for a fruit plantation is one which is 

 somewhat elevated above adjoining lands. Such a 

 site presents the two advantages of atmospheric and 

 soil drainage. Of these advantages, the atmospheric 

 drainage is the greater, inasmuch as soil drainage- 

 can be secured by artificial means. Cold air, being 

 heavier than warm air, in still weather settles into 

 the lowest areas, as we have already seen, often 

 causing, upon such lands, serious late spring and 

 early fall frosts, as well as reducing the temperature 

 in winter. In speaking of elevated lands, it is not 

 necessarily meant that they be rolling. Some entire 

 farms which are almost fiat may be sufficiently ele- 

 vated above the local streams or the general con- 

 tour of a flat country to answer all purposes of an 

 ideal fruit site. 



A comparatively slight elevation is often suffi- 

 cient to accomplish perfect atmospheric drainage, 

 particularly if the adjacent lower lands slope suffi- 

 ciently to allow the cold air to gradually drain away. 

 Sometimes a sharp decline of ten or fifteen feet 

 along one side of a plantation is sufficient; or, a 

 gradual and gentle slope throughout may be equally 

 advautageous. More pronounced elevations usually 

 give more marked results, however, and for this 

 reason they are preferred for the tenderer fruits. 



The pronounced minor elevations often present 

 other advantages of temperature than those incident 



