4 Shelter. 



of wood or hay that he might be carting. If, then, so gieat a change is 

 caused by the wind, is it strange that it should do great harm to trees and 

 plants, in some cases, by its severity ? 



Not only is shelter from the winds of winter indispensable to the highest 

 success in growing certain kinds of fruit, but shelter in spring and summer 

 is also highly desirable. Recently, when the young leaves were just de- 

 veloping their beauty, there came a gale from the south, and continued to 

 blow for several hours in succession, tearing and blackening the foliage 

 somewhat to the injury of the tree. Again : in autumn, the trees are often 

 torn and twisted and the fruit scattered about by the wind because the 

 orchard is exposed to its full sweep. It cannot, of course, be said that all 

 the evil effects of the wind and cold are wholly owing to the destruction of 

 the forests. It is fair to admit, that years ago, before the country was so 

 open, there were occasionally winters when trees were injured ; but it 

 cannot be denied that great changes have taken place. 



We knew a peach-orchard as far north as New Hampshire that pro- 

 duced fine crops of excellent fruit for many years ; while farther south, in 

 exposed locations, the buds were often killed, and the trees sometimes de- 

 stroyed. The only reason that can possibly be assigned for this difference 

 is the shelter that the orchard had in New Hampshire, it being surrounded 

 on three sides by forest-crowned hills. Now, if it is true that trees, plants, 

 and vines are so much benefited by shelter, — as we think all who have had 

 experience must admit, — then the question will be asked, What is the rem- 

 edy ? How shall we protect our vineyards, pear, peach, and other orchards, 

 to say nothing of hedges, shrubs, and numerous other things, in and about 

 a place ? It may not be possible to restore the former state of things ; but 

 it is perfectly certain that we can do much towards it. In selecting a place 

 for a vineyard in the Northern and Western States where the winters are 

 severe, or the winds strong, choose a place, if possible, on the south-east, 

 south, or possibly the south-west side of a hill, — all the better if its top be 

 covered with trees ; or if West, where hills are not so plenty as in New 

 England, choose the leeward side of a belt of timber. Many excellent 

 spots may be found where no artificial protection would be needed : the 

 southern slope is already formed, the trees already grown. Wlien this can- 

 not be found naturally, then the deficiency, so far as possible, must be sup- 



