THE APPLE 



CHAPTER I 

 SELECTION OF SITE 



Many factors present themselves as important when the future 

 location of a proposed orchard is being considered. Some of the 

 chief ones will be discussed, in order that they may serve as guides 

 for consideration by individuals interested in establishing orchards 

 of apple trees. 



Climate. Perhaps the most important single factor in the loca- 

 tion of a site for an apple orchard is that of climate. It has been 

 found after careful observations that certain locations seem to be 

 more favorable for the growing of apples than other sites in the 

 neighborhood. Careful survey has shown that the daily change of 

 temperature, or its range during the day and night, has an impor- 

 tant bearing upon this question. By daily range, or change, is 

 meant the difference in the thermometer reading between the 

 warmest part of the day and the coolest part of the night. 



It has been clearly demonstrated that where the range of tem- 

 perature exceeds 20 degrees, the blooms on the trees are injured 

 by the sudden change. This change is quite marked during the 

 spring, when bright, warm, sunny days are followed by cold nights. 

 The results from these extreme temperatures are that the warm 

 days force out the blossoms quite rapidly, causing the growth to be 

 sappy and tender. This growth does not seem to be able to with- 

 stand the cold nights, and the fact is that the growth loses its 

 vitality and is therefore stunted. This may often happen although 

 a frost may not occur during the night. 



Careful observations have determined that a climate suitable for 

 growing apples should be one in which comparatively small change 

 of temperature occurs. 



