PLANTING. 217 



CHAPTER II. 

 Planting. 



FAIRLY full and concise instructions on the subject of 

 preparing the sites and planting have been given in con- 

 nection with each kind of fruit, but there are a few im- 

 portant additional points that must be mentioned in this 

 chapter. 



Choosing the Site. Some consideration as to choice 

 of site must be given where an orchard or plantation of 

 fruit is proposed to be formed. As far as possible avoid 

 choosing a site near to a river or lake, or one that is 

 naturally low and damp. The reason for taking this 

 precaution is obvious. Excessive moisture would natur- 

 ally be deposited on the flowers, and, in the event of 

 early morning frosts occurring, the latter would easily 

 have their delicate organs frozen, and hence be rendered 

 incapable of fertilisation. Cold and bleak uplands should 

 also be avoided, because of the risk of the tender blossoms 

 being injured by cold winds. The ideal situation for 

 forming a fruit plantation is one sloping to the south- 

 west or west, and with ample protection from north and 

 east winds. Even in small gardens the latter precaution 

 is desirable. 



Shelter. Some means of sheltering fruit trees from 

 exposure to north and east winds is imperative. In 

 gardens this may be accomplished to a great extent by 

 high walls, 8 to 10 or i2ft. high; but in the case of fruit 

 plantations it will be necessary, if there are no hills or 

 woods to form a natural shelter from the north and east, 

 to plant a belt of forest trees on the northern and eastern 

 boundaries. The best evergreen trees for forming a 



