ECONOMIC IMPORTANCE OF FUNGI 



297 



only method of checking the spread of the disease is to 

 cut down and burn all affected trees. Millions of dollars 

 worth of damage has been caused by this disease within 

 the past seven or eight years. The financial loss in New 

 York City and vicinity, alone, has been estimated at 

 much more than $5,000,000, while the loss for the entire 

 United States, up to 191 1, was estimated by the Federal 



Fig. 219. — Chestnut-blight fungus {Endothia parasitica). Fruiting 

 pustules and spore-masses from cultures. X about 8. A, stages in the 

 development of the pustules; B, C, D, various forms of spore discharge 

 in a moist atmosphere. (After Murrill.) 



Government at not less than $25,000,000. In 19 10, the 

 state of Pennsylvania appointed a special commission of 

 experts for the investigation and control of the disease, 

 and appropriated over $275,000 to meet the necessary 

 expense of the work. 



286. Grain Smut. — The smuts of wheat, oats, barley, 

 and corn are among the commoner pests of the farmer. 



