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THE WHITE PINE WEEVIL, WITH METHODS OP CON- 

 TROL AND RECOMMENDATIONS FOR A MODIFIED 

 SYSTEM OF PLANTING WHITE PINE AND NORWAY 

 SPRUCE. 



BY M. W. BLACKMAN, Ph. D. 



At one time the greater part of the southern half of Maine 

 was covered with forests in which the white pine was the pre- 

 dominating tree. From this fact the state became popularly 

 known as the "Pine Tree State." Even now the uncultivated 

 portions of this region support many pine trees and they repro- 

 duce naturally surprisingly well, so that many of the rocky 

 hillsides, farm woodlots and pastured woodlands contain a large 

 percentage of new growth pine. But how different are these 

 crooked, scrubby or bushy pines from the tall trees with their 

 clean straight boles, characteristic of the orginal virgin forests 

 of this region. 



It is undoubtedly true that a considerable part of the land of 

 southern Maine is better fitted for the rearing of forest trees 

 than any other use. Foresters usually agree that the? white 

 pine grows more rapidly, can be harvested sooner, and yields 

 a larger return in a shorter time than any other planted forest 

 tree suitable to this region. However, in spite of these undis- 

 puted facts, it is very questionable whether under present con- 

 ditions, it is wise to advise the making of pure plantations of this 

 valuable timber tree. This is because of two very serious enemies 

 which threaten the destruction of its life or its commercial value. 

 One of these, the Pine Blister Rust, is a fungus disease acci- 

 dentally introduced from Europe, while the other is an insect 

 native to this country the W 7 hite Pine Weevil. At the pres- 

 ent time more frequent mention of the former of these two 

 pests is heard by those interested in the preservation of our 

 forests, than of the pine weevil. This is due largely to a well 

 organized propaganda based upon a real menace to the white 

 pine and its kindred species, and should in no degree be dis- 

 couraged or hampered. It. is doubtless also due to the fact that 

 a new, formerly unknown danger always appeals more strongly 



