242 Missouri Agricultural Report. 



dangerous, explosive chemical, will fill the burrow and the inmates will 

 lapse into a sleep during which there will be no dreams of mischief for 

 the future. 



III. OBJECT LESSONS IN TREE PROTECTION. 



As an object lesson in tree protection, a row of young trees in this 

 young orchard was fitted with the various types of mechanical pro- 

 tectors, now known and used by various horticulturists. These are 

 shown by photographs on the following pages, and are accompanied by 

 brief descriptions and remarks, which will readily enable the planter to 

 decide which form or means of protection will best suit his conditions. 



BANKING WITH SOIL OR CINDERS. 



The soil or cinder mound as a protection against tree injury by field 

 mice is first described, not only because it is quite effective in it- 

 self, but because it is recommended in conjunction with various other 

 mechanical protectors designed to prevent injury by the larger rodents. 



Mice rarely injure trees except where grass, strawy manure, boards 

 or trash of some kind about the base of the tree provide a hiding place ; 

 they will not come out into the open to work, but choose to perform 

 their depredations under cover. 



In mounding fruit trees for protection from mice there are three 

 important points to observe : 



First, clear away the grass, trash or mulch from the base of the tree 

 for a foot or more in all directions. 



Second, with the foot or, better with a ' ' post tamper, ' ' thoroughly 

 firm the surface of the soil about the base of the tree. This breaks 

 down and fills any runs or burrows that may be just below the surface. 



Third, with a few shovelfuls of fresh soil or cinders, form a small 

 mound (twelve or fourteen inches in diameter at the base and from 4 to 

 6 inches high) about the stem of the tree, firming the soil well. 



The tops of these small mounds are usually kept quite bare by the 

 sweeping force of the winter winds, even if there be several inches of 

 snow on the ground. Mice will not venture out on these exposures to 

 feed on the bark of the trees; and burrowing into the freshly packed 

 soil is not likely to be attempted in the winter, even in open weather. 



The mounds may be left throughout the year, but they should be 

 tamped hard and repaired by the addition of fresh soil each autumn. 



Where cinders are available these are a most excellent and inex- 

 pensive material with which to mound the stems of all kinds of fruit 

 trees. Mice will not burrow through the cinders as they do through soil. 



