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that region, but is steadily tending in that direction. Tliis tree 

 is also of great value in Ohio and the remaining Atlantic Sea- 

 board States, and by reason of the all too prevalent forest de- 

 struction going on, the tree can ill be spared ; much less its value 

 wasted, as it largely will be, should the remaining chestnut 

 stock be attacked. 



The destruction of the wild chestnut trees in New Jersey, in 

 Southeastern New York, Western Connecticut and Massachu- 

 setts and Southeastern Pennsylvania is marked to be complete. 



The industries depending upon the wild chestnut tree for 

 their support are of large proportions and great value. Every 

 part of the tree is valuable foi- making tannic acid, used in the 

 tanning industry. Telegraph and telephone companies depend 

 mostly upon this tree for their stock of poles. The railroad com- 

 panies are largely dependent upon it for their best railroad ties. 

 The nuts are no inconsiderable part of this valuable product. 

 Many thousands of men are employed in the industries depend- 

 ing upon the saving of the wild chestnut tree, and many other 

 thousands of real estate owners Avill find their land values seri- 

 ously affected should the tree ultimately be destroyed. 



Two great facts to be borne in mind are, first, that the plague 

 is with us and it must be reckoned with; and second that har- 

 monious action and complete co-operation among all the inter- 

 ests involved, as well as the governments of the various states, 

 can and will be the only means of checking this disease, if it can 

 be checked. We are not so mucli concerned with its origin as 

 we are with its presence and effects. While its botanical his- 

 tory and pathology are of importance, the real thing is prepared- 

 ness to repel the invader, using every means known to science and 

 practical experience. 



It is, therefore, to be hoped that this aspect of the problem 

 will be thoroughly taken hold of and discussed from every point 

 • of view, that concerted action will be immediately inaugurated, 

 and no effort left unemployed that might produce desirable re- 

 sults. The time to act is now, and not after the scientific world 

 has more fully worked out the history and pathology of the dis- 

 ease. Present day practical measures may well be aided by 

 scientific inquiry, but the one by no means must wait upon the 



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