21 



writer's opinion. If convenient, the pop- 

 lars may be planted outside the hedge and 

 the conifers inside; then the roots of the 

 former will not get amongst the fruit 

 trees. The poplars are extremely rapid 

 growers and make big trees. They can be 

 pollarded if required. As the cupressus' 

 roots are a nuisance in blocking drains, it 

 is advisable to make cement joints where 

 the drains pass through the shelter belt. 



Many other trees are used for shelter in 

 different parts of the country, and the 

 choice naturally depends to some extent 

 on the species that thrive best in any par- 

 ticular district. Beech, hornbeam, larch, 

 Scotch fir and Austrian pine have all been 

 planted for the purpose. None of the trees 

 mentioned encourage any of the insect 

 pests which attack fruit trees, a point of 

 considerable importance. 



In very much exposed situations it is a 

 great advantage if shelter trees can be 

 planted several years in advance of the 

 introduction of the fruit trees, though this 

 is seldom possible. The latter then have 

 the benefit of shelter from the start, and 

 make all the better growth in consequence. 

 Continual exposure to strong wind, such 

 as the prevailing south-wester, has a 

 stunting effect on growth and is often 

 the cause of lop-sided trees. The benefit 

 of shelter can be realised to the full only 

 by those who have grown fruit in an ex- 

 posed situation. At the same time, it can 

 be carried to excess. As already men- 

 tioned, a free circulation of air is desir- 

 able to lessen the danger of frost. For 

 this reason a fruit plantation should never 

 be over-sheltered to the extent of causing 

 a stagnant atmosphere. 



