62 The Principles of Fruit-growing. 



WIND -BREAKS FOR FRUIT PLANTATIONS.* 



We are now able to approach the troubled sub- 

 ject of wind-breaks in an analytic spirit. Although 

 the best writers upon horticultural topics are nearly 

 unanimous in recommending wind-breaks for all fruit 

 plantations, there is, nevertheless, wide difference in 

 opinion and practice among good cultivators con- 

 cerning them. Fruit-growers, as a rule, hold decided 

 opinions concerning wind-breaks. In fact, they usu- 

 ally hold extreme opinions, either wholly opposing 

 shelter belts in all cases, or positively advocating 

 them. All who are engaged in the growing of 

 fruits or who attend fruit-growers' gatherings, have 

 heard the most positive experiences cited in support 

 of both opinions. Theve must be good reasons for 

 these opposing views. There appear to be no well- 

 grounded maxims or precepts among growers them- 

 selves, and statements concerning the merits of 

 shelter belts are commonly vague. In order to arrive 

 at the best current opinion upon the subject, many 

 inquiries have been made and fruit farms have been 

 visited. Three hundred circulars were addressed to 

 leading fruit-growers in New York and Michigan, 

 asking for definite information in regard to wind- 

 breaks. Seventy -seven replies were obtained. This 

 is a large proportion, and the number may be as- 

 sumed to include all the persons of the three hun- 



*TMs discussion is founded upon the author's "Study of Wind-breaks in 

 Their Relations to Fruit-growing," Bull. IX., Cornell Exp. Sta. (1889); also 

 "Wind-breaks for the Fruit-grower," Proe. Mich. Forestry Conv., held at 

 Grand Rapids, Jan. 26 and 27, 1888. 



