ORCHARD SOILS 129 



that in general the loam or gravelly soils when underlaid by- 

 one not too heavy are frequently best adapted to fruit- 

 growing. The kind and variety of fruit to be grown must 

 be considered in determining whether the heavier or lighter 

 types of soils should be selected. The light sandy soils are 

 ideal to work, but they do not hold the soluble plant-foods 

 so well and are likely to suffer in times of drought. 



In western New York, the apple soils are a little heavier 

 than those in many other sections. The trees attain very 

 large size and give high yields. In Niagara County, which 

 l)roduces a large amount of fruit, the Dunkirk loam is typi- 

 cal of the best fruit-soils. "Besides general crops, a very 

 large acreage of this type (of soil) is devoted to fruit pro- 

 duction. Throughout the county it (the Dunkirk loam) is 

 distinguished by the prevalence of apple orchards. In the 

 southern part the small area may almost universally be 

 recognized by the presence and condition of the orchards. 

 The trees have made a good growth and are regular in form 

 and thrifty in appearance. While other types may pro- 

 duce good apples, the opinion of a large number of apple 

 buyers and packers is that apples grown on this soil are 

 of superior flavor, color, and keeping quality. . . While 

 the peach thrives on a soil much lighter than is suitable 

 for the apple, it is said by a number of practical men that 

 on this soil is obtained fruit superior in flavor, color, and 

 keeping quality. Pears, plums, and quinces are grown and 

 west of Lockport there is a large acreage of grapes."^ 



The following table gives the mechanical analysis of this 

 soil: 



1 U. S. Bureau SoUs. 1906. 



