238 



Missouri Agricultural Report. 



The first tree visited was one which had been top-grafted in the 

 spring of 1908, with a rare, new variety. While admiring the growi;h 

 of this young tree, the loss of which would be a very serious matter in- 

 deed, the observing eyes of the little girl detected a bit of rabbit fur 

 clinging to the grass stems near by. Here was a recognized clue to 

 something of interest to a youthful lover of nature. A short search fol- 

 lowed and its object was discovered. 



^4^^, 



Fig. 2. Should we slay the enemy or protect the tree; 



"Baby rabbits — come and see!" Parting the blue grass and white 

 clover she exposed four little, frightened balls of fur, shrinking down 

 in the^ small, grass-lined excavation in the ground. 



Here, indeed, was an orchard problem ! Within five feet of the 

 base of the almost priceless tree and surrounded by other young trees 

 of value, was a quartette of youthful representatives of a formidable 

 orchard pest. "To kill or not to kill" might naturally become the 

 question in the mind of the orchardist under these circumstances. 

 Should the enemy be diminished by four at a single stroke, or should 

 the tree he protected and the enemy spared? The question in this 

 instance was submitted to American girlhood for decision. 



The verdict was rendered without debate. 21ie tree tvas protected 

 — so ivas the enemy! The one to continue growth unblemished with 



