46 THE APPLE 



constantly moving. Spraying, too, is almost impossible on windy 

 days, and it is a question whether at such times in some un- 

 protected orchards this kind of work is not effort and money 

 wasted. 



Still other operations in the orchard are greatly hampered by 

 free, unobstructed winds, but many of the difficulties may be 

 overcome if some attention is given to the establishment of 

 windbreaks. 



9. Since few, if any, birds like to build their homes in windy, 

 unprotected places, it has been found that the planting of wind- 

 breaks near orchards increases the number of birds inhabiting 

 the trees. With the increase in birds a decrease in insect injury 

 to the trees is generally apparent. 



10. It is not necessary to make the windbreak an unsightly, dis- 

 reputable affair. Common sense in the selection of trees for plant- 

 ing and a careful arrangement of them will result in making the 

 windbreak an addition to the farm and home that will increase 

 their attractiveness and desirability. 



Disadvantages. Most of the disadvantages of windbreaks result 

 either from a lack of attention to details or from a limited knowl- 

 edge of the subject. It may be possible in the future to bring 

 about a more general knowledge of windbreaks by the spread of 

 literature and by object lessons in many orchards throughout the 

 country. The following points need special mention : 



1. Trees which act as a wind stop instead of as a windbreak 

 often prove injurious by preventing the free circulation of air, thus 

 rendering the orchard colder. Sometimes the density of a wind- 

 break will cause the same trouble, but this can easily be prevented 

 by planting fewer trees and these of a more open character, and 

 can be remedied by chopping down some of the trees already 

 planted. 



2. If the windbreak has been planted directly across a slope, it 

 may check the drainage of cold air, which is naturally downhill, 

 and thus cause some injury to the trees through frosts. Harm 

 from frosts is particularly liable to occur during the fall or the 

 early spring period. Generally, such injury is local and is confined 

 to the area nearest the windbreak, where the cold air collects and 

 reduces the temperature. 



