INTRODUCTION. 
85 
fruits never fail. One of the most noted of these tracts is found along 
the eastward escarpment of the Try on range, in Polk county, at an eleva- 
tion of about 1500 feet. It is distinguishable at a distance of many miles 
by the numerous peach orchards which are spread along the face of the 
mountain in a narrow regular zone. 
But similar areas are found in all parts of the mountain and piedmont 
regions, and are distinguishable, in the natural state, by the abundance of 
wild grapes. Such localities, not only beyond the Blue Ridge, but in the 
South Mountains and their spurs for example, and in the Brushy Moun- 
tains, are the most notable seats for orchards and vineyards, and are 
widely known for the abundance, and excellence and unfailing certainty 
of their crops. 
Humidity . — The Survey has been able to procure hygrometric obser- 
vations at only two points, and for a little more than one year. These 
two points are Wilmington and Charlotte. A special effort was made to 
have such observations at one station in the mountain region, but without 
success. This is regretted, as it is a matter of much importance, botli in 
a sanitary point, of view and' in relation to agriculture, especially the cul- 
tivation of fruits. For at points with thermal relations very similar, 
the results are nevertheless very different as regards the ripeness or un- 
ripeness of the fruit of the. vine,” for instance. In England, although 
the mean amount of annual heat is equal to that of many portions of 
North Carolina, such is the humidity of the atmosphere and so great the 
prevalence of clouds and fogs that vineyards are almost unknown, the 
strawberry is ; ripened artificially, and good peaches, apples, &c., are known 
only as importations. And yet there is no part of this State where the 
grape does not readily come to perfection, and where all the fruits suita- 
ble to the temperate zone, do not flourish. The observations at the two 
points named, for the eastern and middle divisions of the State, give the 
explanation, in the great dryness of the atmosphere, notwithstanding the 
large amount of rainfall, — so much in excess of that of England. The 
table below is intended only to exhibit this characteristic of the climate 
of the State, by giving the relative humidity for the three most impor- 
tant months in this respect, as representing the entire season of the ripen- 
ing of grains and fruits; and the noon observation is deemed sufficient 
for the purpose. 
