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BULLETIN 1189, U. S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE. 



and on the lower parts of a hillside, while those on the higher 

 elevations escape. The importance of the selection of an orchard 

 site with good air drainage has been demonstrated in every part of 

 this area. Figures 14 and 15 illustrate the effect of elevation in 

 retarding the blossoming period. They also indicate how great an 

 influence even a slight difference in elevation may have where atmos- 

 pheric drainage is poor (65, 66). 



CONTOUR. 



Another important factor in the selection of an orchard site, which 

 has been disregarded to a large extent, is the contour of the field. 

 Many of the ridges in the East Tennessee Valley region and in the 

 Virginia Valley and Ridge region have hillsides where for several 

 miles the slope is in the same direction and comparatively smooth. 

 Orchards situated on ridges with such uniform contours may be 

 cultivated and sprayed and the fruit harvested with much less ex- 



Fio. 14. — An apple orchard of the Arkansas variety. In the hollow the blossoming has 

 been delayed by the cooler air which settles there from the higher elevations. A slight 

 difference in elevation has had a decided effect here on atmospheric drainage. Com- 

 pare with Figure 15. Photographed at Gerrardstown, W. Va., April 6, 1910. 



pense than where the contour is very broken. 

 16 illustrate this difference. 



Figures 7, 8, 15, and 



SLOPE. 



The steepness of the hillside on which the orchard is situated is also 

 important. A gradual slope is to be preferred to a very steep slope, 

 especially where there is danger of the soil washing. In much of 

 this area the soil washes badly, and great care is necessary in its 

 management. A site should be chosen where there is as little oppor- 

 tunity for washing as possible. Figure 17 shows an orchard on a 

 steep hillside. Although the land has been terraced along the tree 

 rows, gullies several feet deep have been made by heavy rains. 



SOIL. 



A good fruit soil should be fairly fertile and easy to work: it 

 should contain large supplies of humus: it should have a fertile and 



