FRUIT GROWING AND TREE SHELTER.

Horowhenua Chronicle, 24 March 1910, Page 3

FRUIT GROWING AND TREE SHELTER.

To the Editor S' 1 ') A few days ago you published an article referring to some correspondence between the member lor the district—Mr Field— and the Department of Agriculture and its Minister regarding the suitability ol this district for fruit culture. Hie reply of the Department to Mr Field had some reference to the necessity lor providing shelter before planting fruit trees. as 1 take considerable interest not only in fruit growing, but in anything that may serve to advance the interests of this district, T venture to write a few_ lines, not with the expectation of teaching anyone anybut simply to keep before ■the minds of settlers a matter that is of so great, importance as the planting of shelter trees. The advaince of civilisation has devastated the country by destroying the native bush ; it was, of course, unavoidable, but the pity of it remains. A tract of country where formerly frosts and blights were unknown, is now subject to a full share of both. The loss of sheltering trees is the only cause. T strongly maintain that not only will it be to the personal interest of every settler to plant such shelter as lie can, according to his means, but that it is also a duty owing to a future generation. Tn older countries, that is countries longer civilised, this has long ago been recognised, it has been found to be an absolute necessity. Everyone knows the benefit of shelter, or at least most people do. Fruit trees will not grow without it. Grass will grow without shelter, but its production is enormously increased hy shelter. Stock also are rendered more comfortable hy grateful shade in summer and shelter from wind and cold in winter, consequently they thrive better. Every belt or clump of trees planted increases the value not only of the immediate precincts, dut of other liii'id around. A paddock surrounded by shelter belts and hedges such •is are seen in England, and elsewhere, is warm for the stock, and whatever is growing in has its chances of success enhanced therebv, but not that alone, the effect; of the shelter is far reaching, serving as it does, to break up and ameliorate the blast.

T feel sure that tliere are many T have bad personal contact with some, who <lo not sufficiently appreciate the value of shelter, or K'oro effort would he made instead '•f so many waiting for their neighbour to plant.—Yours etc., UNIT.