FRUIT GROWING 63 



every possible advantage. The destruction of 

 the crop by late spring frosts can be guarded 

 against by the use of the orchard heater, and 

 localities subject to frequent late frosts can 

 be utilized for fruit growing, but the cost of 

 such protection adds an important item to the 

 fixed charges or cost of production. Frost free 

 localities eliminate this charge and thus have 

 an advantage. 



Certain soil and climatic conditions produce 

 modifications in size, shape, color, and quality 

 in apples which sooner or later the discriminat- 

 ing buyers will recognize. In dry climates where 

 the trees are grown under irrigation, the skin 

 of the apple is tougher and the colors more 

 highly developed than in the humid climates. 

 The flesh of the fruit, however, is dryer and 

 its flavor less highly developed in the dry than 

 in the humid regions. With such information 

 it is possible for the grower to so choose the 

 location for his orchard as to produce distinct- 

 ive fruit. 



The great mass of American apple eaters 

 know but few varieties, and vendors have but 

 little idea of the influence of the location from 

 which a variety comes upon its value. The 

 bulk of the crop sold from the fruit stands is 

 sold on appearance alone. It has been said 



