~8. 



MEADOW MOUSE SITUATION IN MASSACHUSETTS ORCHAPDS 



Due to favorable weather oonditions meadow mice ha-v© increased in 

 numbers during the last mgnth (October), In fact, in a few orchards girdling 

 has already occurred, especially on younger trees that were loosened by 

 the hurricsme. Remember that girdling may occur even in low mouse pop\»- 

 lation areasi Mice seem to have migrated from "certain" areas (stone walls, 

 ditch bemke, wot meadows,- etc.) to the most favorable habitats and have 

 established themselves. This is unusual because it was previously reported 

 from a census study that meadow mice were scarce even in the best habitats, 

 except in isolated spots. 



It is a wise policy, therefore, for every orohardist to check his 

 orchard now ajid put out poison bait wherever necessary. It is only by a 

 thorough inspection that the degree and extent of mouse infestation can be 

 determined. All trees affected by the hurricane should be closely examined 

 because "pockets" usually are formed vdiich make ideal harboring places for 

 nice. 



—Robert M. Borg, Biologist 



U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service 



SERVICING THE ELECTRIC MOTOR 



F. L. Rimbach, on authority on electrical equipment, asks what would 

 happen to your apple grading operations or your refrigeration if your- elec- 

 tric motor were to burn out. To avoid this calamity he offers these timely 

 suggestions! (1) Blow the dust out of your motor, (fl) Be sure the con- 

 nections are tight. (3) Put a little oil on it occasionally (not too much, 

 just a few drops). This is particularly important if you are running it 

 many hours a day, (4) If you possibly ciei, put in a safety fuse, of a size 

 to fit your motor. This will not cost more than a quarter. Any electrician 

 or dealer, or your Power Company, can tell you what size to get if you sim- 

 ply tell them the horse power and amperage of your motor. This aafety fuse 

 should be put in a separate fuse box. 



CLONAL ROOTSTOCKS. There is a demand, far exceeding the supply, 

 for clonal rootstocks for growing dwarf and semi-dwarf apple 

 trees. A new bulletin (No. 418) by J. K. Shaw is now available. 

 It tells how these stocks are grown and identified. 



The old farm-home is Mother's yet and mine. 



And filled it is with plenty and to spare,- 

 But we are lonely here in life's decline. 



Though fortune smiles around us everywhere! 

 We look across the gold of the harvests, as of old- 



The corn, the fragrant clover, and the hayj 

 But most we turn our gaze as with eyes of other days. 



To the orchard where the children used to play, 



- — James TNhitcomb Riley 



