The Choice of the Exposure. 61 



generally preferable, particularly if the elevation back 

 of it is sufficient to act as a wind-break. 



2. In interior or frosty regions, the best slope 

 for the tender and early -blooming fruits, as a rule, 

 is one which retards the blooming period, thereby 

 causing the plant to remain comparatively dormant 

 until after the incidental spring frosts are passed. 

 In such places, therefore, the northward and west- 

 ward slopes are generally most advisable; although 

 if these slopes are too pronounced, they may be so 

 very cold and backward that what is gained by the 

 retardation in spring may be lost by the retardation 

 in fall, and the fruits may fail to ripen properly, 

 or be caught by early fall frosts. In wholly interior 

 places, a somewhat pronounced northward exposure 

 is usually preferable for peaches and apricots, since 

 these fruits are likely to swell their buds with the 

 first fitful warmth of spring 



3. If one desires to secure particularly early re- 

 sults and bright colors of fruits, a warm and sunny 

 epxosure, to the southward or southeastward, is most 

 advisable. This is a matter of considerable mo- 

 ment with the finer dessert varieties of fruits. 



It is sometimes necessary, also, to study the ex- 

 posure with reference to prevailing winds, when 

 these winds are more or less constant and strong. 

 The selection of the aspect may, in a large meas- 

 ure, obviate the necessity of establishin-g elaborate 

 wind-breaks. The contour of the land should always 

 be carefully considered when the planting of shelter 

 belts is under advisement. 



