ASPECTS AND SHELTERS. 



35 



the wind, by impinging directly on the surface of 

 the protectors, causing them to beat sharply against 

 the leaves and blossoms. 



It seems useless to expect a crop of Peaches, 

 even in favoured localities, without some such 

 protection as the above. Nor is the expense 

 great, these protectors serving for several seasons? 

 and the trouble is amply repaid. During the hard 

 frosts of winter the Peach tree may suffer ; but 

 the danger is not in reality great in ordinary sea- 

 sons, provided the wood of the tree is ripe. The 

 difference this makes in the welfare of the tree is 

 very great, nor is it surprising when we remember 

 that the Peach is a native of Persia. Though 

 the winter frosts of that country are exceedingly 

 severe, yet the Peach tree survives them simply 

 because the fierce sun of the preceding summer 

 has most thoroughly ripened the young wood it 

 is rather the excess of autumn rainfall in England, 

 after a cloudy summer, which endangers the vi- 

 tality of the tree. If to this be added injudicious 

 pruning and cold undrained borders, what possible 

 chance of success can be expected ? 



Let us, then, be very careful to secure such gn 

 aspect as shall best ripen the wood ; then shelter 

 from cold currents of wind mingled with rain must 

 be obtained. Generally speaking such shelter 

 should be perpendicular, facing the wall. Air is 

 c 2 



