286 BOARD OF AGEICULTURE. 



sides of the tree, which demands the sacrifice of the roots in the first 

 place and in the second place allows no chance for the roots to penetrate 

 outward to gather moisture. The paved street quickly conducts the rain- 

 fall into the sewers and away and the trees must depend for subsistence 

 upon the narrow strip of soil left them between the sti*eet and walk. 

 As most of the trees planted in the past were soft maple, and as they de- 

 mand a great quantity of moisture to live, they simply can not survive 

 the conditions. Thus it is that city shade trees are dying annually by the 

 thousands, while a very gi-eat part of them are affected and making no 

 progTess. 



In addition to these abuses they are barked, hacked and otherwise in- 

 jured by the workmen in paving. In these weakened conditions they 

 are, in addition, overtrimmed. 



To alleviate these consequences it seems that two things, at least, are 

 necessary. Trees of deep rooting and less moisture requirements must be 

 planted, and a different plan of street improvement adopted. In the first 

 instance I know of nothing better to plant than our forest trees, which 

 I have recommended and which grow on drier soils. In the second place, 

 put the walks next to the street, thus leaving one side of the trees' 

 roots unharmed and unhampered to gather substance. 



Another cause that is destroying trees to a greater extent than is real- 

 ized is the burning of leaves and rubbish near them. Fire is an unnatural 

 heat to trees and the least of it causes sap boiling, which later on is shown 

 by the bai-k's cracking and falling off, leaving a dry, dead exposed sur- 

 face of wood. Absolutely no leaves should be burned where the heat 

 will extend to the trees. 



If insects bother the foliage, use some of the following sprays: Sul- 

 phur solution, kerosene emulsion and arsenical washes. Most any drug- 

 gist can advise you how to use and can prepare them for you. Grease 

 bands may be painted around the trees as a good protection against 

 caterpillars. Twigs badly infested should be pruned and burned. The 

 nests and insects may be gathered and burned by means of tarred cloths 

 on the ends of poles. I shall leave this feature for discussion. 



In closing, I want to urge the planting of trees along the highways 

 and drives and around the premises. It is urged that trees planted along 

 the roadsides prevent the drying of the roads in spring; that they are kept 

 in bad condition by them. I do not think rows of trees along the roads 

 will do these things to any great extent. But, suppose they do, that is 

 not to be compared with the benefits of shade to disperse the intense heat 

 and dust of the whole summer's travel. You all know what it is to drive 

 to market in the boiling hot sun and stifling dust, and to rest the pant- 

 ing, sweating, dust-covered horse in the cool shade of a roadside tree. 



Homes and premises embellished by tree planting is equally as urgent. 

 Tree planting is a thing that has become necessary. To the ladies of the 

 meeting I appeal for aid in this most generous movement, and to the 

 gentlemen I plead for a decided active tree planting spirit. 



