62 The Principles of Fruit-growing. 
WIND-BREAKS FOR FRUIT PLANTATIONS.* 
We are now able to approach the troubled sub- 
ject of wind-breaks in an analytic spirit. Although 
the best writers upon horticultural topies are nearly 
unanimous in recommending wind-breaks for all fruit 
plantatious, there is, nevertheless, wide difference in 
opinion and practice among good cultivators con- 
cerning them. Fruit-growers, as a rule, hold decided 
opinions concerning wind-breaks. In fact, they usu- 
ally hold extreme opinions, either wholly opposing 
shelter belts in all cases, or positively advocating 
them. All who are engaged in the growing of 
fruits or who attend fruit-growers’ gatherings, have 
heard the most positive experiences cited in support 
of both opinions. There must be good reasons for 
these opposing views. There appear to be no well- 
grounded maxims or precepts among growers them- 
selves, and statements concerning the merits of 
shelter belts are commonly vague. In order to arrive 
at the best current opinion upon the subject, many 
inquiries have been made and fruit farms have been 
visited. Three hundred circulars were addressed to 
leading fruit-growers in New York and Michigan, 
asking for definite information in regard to wind- 
breaks. Seventy-seven replies were obtained. This 
is a large proportion, and the number may be as- 
sumed to include all the persons of the three hun- 
*This discussion is founded upon the author’s ‘Study of Wind-breaks in 
Their Relations to Fruit-growing,” Bull. IX., Cornell Exp. Sta. (1889); also 
““Wind-breaks for the Fruit-grower,” Proc. Mich. Forestry Conv., held at 
Grand Rapids, Jan. 26 and 27, 1888. 
