106 The Commercial Apple Industry 



4. Very poor roads occur in some localities and some of the 

 best apple land is relatively inaccessible. 



5. Hail damage is very common, particularly on higher ele- 

 vations, and unfavorable conditions are often present at bloom- 

 ing time, rendering the crop uncertain. 



SOUTHERN OHIO ROME BEAUTY SECTION 



Advantages. 



1. Land values have been relatively reasonable in price. 



2. The region is fairly close to important markets. 



3. Quality of fruit, particularly that of the Rome Beauty, 

 is good. 



Disadvantages. 



1. Yields are generally lower than in western New York or 

 most other eastern districts. 



2. The land is rough and mountainous and the orchard plant- 

 ings are somewhat isolated. 



3. Much of the fruit has to be ferried across the Ohio River. 



4. Frost-injury does occasional damage in the spring. 



5. The soil is naturally poor and requires considerable fertil- 

 ization, particularly in the form of nitrates. 



WESTERN MICHIGAN 



Advantages. 



1. Western Michigan is an established, well developed and 

 productive apple region, prominent in the apple industry for 

 many years. 



2. Land values have been reasonable. 



3. It enjoys proximity to important markets in large central 

 west cities. 



4. Yields are good. 



5. Higher quality varieties are grown in Michigan than in 

 most other middle western states. 



Disadvantages. 

 1. Frost-injury is not uncommon. 



