14 
VEGETABLE GARDENING 
are earlier. A sunny slope dries off and warms up earlier 
in the spring, makes earlier planting possible and ma- 
tures the crop faster than on ground sloping to the north. 
Winds are not so severe on southern slopes. This point 
is well worth considering, for there will be less breakage 
of sash, crops will not be whipped and injured so much 
by the wind and less soil moisture will be lost by evapo- 
ration. In addition to these advantages it is more pleas- 
ant to live and to work on southern slopes. 
17. Windbreaks.- — Every experienced fruit grower 
knows the advantages of windbreaks. At Norfolk, Va., 
windbreaks of trees are extensively planted. They are 
especially valuable in the protection of field cucumbers ; 
the young plants advance much more rapidly where such 
windbreaks have been established than on unprotected 
land. A common practice is to construct board wind- 
breaks to shelter hotbeds and cold frames, although 
hedges are more attractive and more economical to es- 
tablish though slow to grow. Natural windbreaks of 
trees or hills are most desirable of all. 
18. Roads. — No greater mistake can be made than to 
locate on a poor road. Good roads more than double the 
value of land for gardening purposes. Mud, ruts, stones 
and steep hills are enough to discourage the most plucky 
gardener; they greatly increase the cost of marketing; 
reduce the amount of produce that can be hauled to 
market by the trucks or wagons at command ; cause 
constant annoyance to driver and team and make it 
difficult to deliver vegetables at the market or the rail- 
road station in first-class condition. A hard, smooth, 
well-drained and comparatively level road makes market- 
ing a pleasure instead of a burden. Larger wagons or 
trucks may be used with less wear and tear, the trips 
will consume less time and hence the teams, trucks, and 
drivers will be available for more work on the farm. 
19. Shipping facilities. — Before engaging in trucking 
