58 The Principles of Fruit-growing. 
THE SITE FOR THE FRUIT PLANTATION. 
As a rule, especially in northern countries, the 
ideal site for a fruit plantation is one which is 
somewhat elevated above adjoining lands. Such a 
site presents the two advantages of atmospheric and 
soil drainage. Of these advantages, the atmospheric 
drainage is the greater, inasmuch as soil drainage 
can be secured by artificial means. Cold air, being 
heavier than warm air, in still weather settles into 
the lowest areas, as we have already seen, often 
causing, upon such lands, serious late spring and 
early fall frosts, as well as reducing the temperature 
in winter. In speaking of elevated lands, it is not 
necessarily meant that they be rolling. Some entire 
farms which are almost flat may be sufficiently ele- 
vated above the local streams or the general con- 
tour of a flat country to answer all purposes of an 
ideal fruit site. 
A comparatively slight elevation is often  suffi- 
cient to accomplish perfect atmospheric drainage, 
particularly if the adjacent lower lands slope suffi- 
ciently to allow the cold air to gradually drain away. 
Sometimes a sharp decline of ten or fifteen feet 
along one side of a plantation is sufficient; or, a 
gradual and gentle slope throughout may be equally 
advantageous. More pronounced elevations usually 
give more marked results, however, and for this 
reason they are preferred for the tenderer fruits. 
The pronounced minor elevations often present 
other advantages of temperature than those incident 
