Analysis Soil Dried At 212&Deg; F

Loss on ignition...

5.68 per cent.

Silicates......

86.10,,

Phosphoric acid...

•06,,

Oxides...............

654,,,

Lime (oxide) ............

•92,,

Magnesia...

•26 „

Potash...............

•25 „

Nitrogen...

•28

Equal to ammonia...

•33 „

But Nature does not seem to have opened all her heart to the agricultural chemist. Soil analyses must be taken in conjunction with the harvested results of observation and experience. They form a valuable indication to those with some practical knowledge; they are in no sense sure guides to the blind. By way of illustration, let the reader compare the analysis below with the one just given.

Analysis Soil Dried At 212&Deg; F

Loss on ignition...

7.8 per cent.

Silicates......

77.4,,

Lime (oxide of lime) ...

1.62 ,,

Potash ••• ••• ••• •••

•26 „

Phosphoric acid......

trace only

Nitrogen...

•526 per cent.

Equal to ammonia...

•638 „

Now, to the lay mind at least, there appears very little difference in the proportions of the important constituents existing in these two soils of which we have the analyses.

Yet the former is what a farmer would call a light soil, liable to scorch in summer. The latter is of altogether a different physical nature - a farmer would call it good holding land and would choose it in preference.

The former will grow all kinds of fruit well, and bring them in a week earlier than the latter. The latter will not grow any of the better kinds of Pears, nor some varieties of Apples, while Plums, though growing vigorously on it, are specially subject to silver-leaf blight. It is possible to attempt to generalize too far, as will be seen when the different varieties of fruit come to be discussed, for the preferences of fruit for soil cover a pretty wide range of differences. (For the chemical composition of various fruit and vegetable crops see Vol. I. p. 109.)

Having settled the matter of soil, the next important question is that of site. Leaving considerations of market and carriage to be dealt with later, and confining ourselves to topographical conditions only, choose a site where there is a free current of air. Sheltered valleys where the air currents, finding no outlet, die down into calm repose, are no places for commercial fruit growing, for here it is that spring frosts, the "terror by night" of the fruit grower, are most frequent and most severe. It is unfortunate that it is so, because in such places the soil, either from the weathering of surrounding hills, or from alluvial deposits, will probably be the most productive that could be found. A tableland from 100 to 400 ft. above sea level is probably the best situation. Of slopes, those facing east and north are the least adapted, the best is south-west. The reason for this is that the damage by frost is greatly increased by the sun shining on the fruit and causing a rapid thaw.

Scientifically the explanation is that the frost crystals for their formation attract moisture from surrounding cells; when a rapid thaw takes place the released moisture hurrying back ruptures the walls of the cells. This, it is explained, is why, when it is a cloudy morning, or when it rains at sunrise, though there may have been a severe frost at night, little damage is done, and therefore fruit growing on the side of a hill that is in shadow until the sun has had time to warm the surrounding atmosphere is most likely to suffer the least damage. High situations will be exposed to winds. Against these the fruit trees can be protected by planting on the outskirts shelters consisting of beeches planted close and kept clipped at the sides so as to form a hedge, as is done round the bulb grounds in Holland; or firs may be planted if the soil is suitable. These latter should be planted in double rows and angled, thus forming a protecting belt.

Facility for getting the produce to a market will be a factor exercising considerable influence in determining the site. Where fruit only has to be considered it is sufficient to be within reach of a railway station; if on a good main line, so much the better, for fruit, being of greater value in proportion to bulk than vegetables, and not being so perishable, if properly gathered and sensibly packed, can be sent long distances. A glance at the baskets in any market in the north of England, Scotland, or Ireland will tell anyone able to read the marks on them that fruit is there from Kent, Middlesex, and Surrey. When vegetables come to be considered, the questions of market and transit thereto must be looked into thoroughly. (See Vol. IV.)

What is perhaps the most difficult and most anxious part of starting a garden yet remains to be dealt with, that is, settling the terms on which the land is to be held. These will include (a) the rent to be paid, (6) the conditions of the holding. If the freehold can be purchased, well and good; but inasmuch as to do so will involve the possession of twice as much capital as would be sufficient to start on a tenancy, it is taken for granted that the smaller number can manage it.