ESQUITE is used throughout the southwestern 
United States for many purposes, the most im- 
portant of which are fuel and fence posts. In many 
sections it is the only tree available for any purpose 
whatever. 
Certain borers completely destroy mesquite wood 
in a few months after it is cut, causing great loss and 
inconvenience. Wood cut for fuel is commonly piled 
in wood yards or along railways. In such locations 
it is subject to borer damage from February until 
October and is not infrequently reduced to a worth- 
less pile of sawdust and honey-combed sticks. Fence 
posts are damaged by sapwood-feeding forms in 
such a way that staples become loose and the posts 
must be constantly replaced. 
It has been found that by cutting fuel wood at cer- 
tain seasons and turning more valuable products in 
the sun practically all insect damage can be pre- 
vented. 
Washington, D. C. Issued May, 1921 
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