ORCHARD MANAGEMENT 121 



with reference to elevation, exposure, rainfall, and nearness 

 to bodies of water. 



The actual elevation above sea-level influences the tem- 

 perature and rainfall of a region. The elevation relative to 

 the surrounding country determines the water and air drain- 

 age. Moderately elevated rolling lands are especially suited 

 to fruit-growing because the cold air does not settle over the 

 elevated portions, which as a consequence escape the frosts 

 so likely to be present on the lower lands. 



Exposure or aspect is the position with reference to the 

 direction toward which the land slopes; for example, land 

 sloping towards the north would be said to have a northern 

 exposure. The best exposure depends on the location and 

 the particular kind of fruit to be grown. In selecting an ex- 

 posure, the presence or absence of large bodies of water is 

 important. Water is an equalizer of temperature because it 

 takes up and gives off heat more slowly than does the air, 

 and, therefore, prevents frosts by warming the air. It is also 

 a fact that in the spring the water may be cold enough to cool 

 the air so that blossoming is retarded until danger of frost is 

 over. To be effective, the amount of water must be con- 

 siderable. The effect of a large expanse is seen in the case of 

 Lake Michigan. Since the prevailing winds blow across the 

 Lake from west to east, grapes and peaches can be grown 

 commercially on certain parts of the land on the east side, 

 while they cannot be grown successfully on the western shore. 

 As the Finger Lakes in the state of New York are very deep, 

 they are effective although small in size. 



The following paragraph from Bailey's Principles of 

 Fruit-Growing (20th and .subsequent editions) includes 

 some important facts regarding exposure as related to fruit 

 production: "In locations adjoining bodies of water, the best 

 slope is toward the water. . . . The particular direction of 

 the slope in respect to the points of the compass is of a very 

 secondary importance. There is often great choice between 



