CHAPTER X 

 ORCHARD MANAGEMENT 



THE growing of fruit-trees on a commercial scale should 

 be attempted only in favorable localities. Many kinds of 

 fruit can be produced in the home orchard under adverse 

 conditions by giving each kind such special attention as could 

 not be done profitably in the commercial orchard. 



189. Climate. The climate of a region is the sum total 

 of its weather conditions during a long period of time. Such 

 factors are involved as heat, cold, humidity, dryness, winds, 

 light, and sunshine. A newcomer in a section can determine 

 the climate only with difficulty, for from the fruit-grower's 

 standpoint a history of climatic conditions for only one year 

 or two is not sufficient to tell the entire story. A tree is 

 expected to thrive and bear fruit for many years. 



190. Heat. The source of heat is the sun. Since the 

 atmosphere enables the earth to hold heat, its condition is a 

 matter of importance to the horticulturist. A moist atmos- 

 phere is better for holding heat than a dry one. The density 

 also makes a difference in the amount of heat the earth re- 

 tains, as is shown by the fact that at high elevations less heat 

 is retained than at low elevations where the atmosphere is 

 more dense. 



It is important to remember that each fruit requires a 

 definite aggregate of heat units, during its growing season. 

 Fruits differ greatly in this respect. For example, the date 

 requires a large aggregate of heat units, and therefore thrives 

 only in the hottest climates. The apple requires a very much 

 smaller amount and hence it prospers in cold climates. 



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