-li- 

 the sprayer at times, slovi disappearance of puddles after a rain, or of yellow leaves 

 on trees in low areas in midsummer » But the extent to which a large proportion cf 

 the root system is coinpletely submerged remains hidden from view. If this situation 

 Y^ere apparent and if \m could visualize the faU.ure of roots to function as soon as 

 the oxygen content of the soil air falls below a critical level, we vrould be more con- 

 cerned about lowering the water level. We would also refrain from planting trees in 

 poorly drained areas, in the first place. Here is a simple device for measuring the 

 Tj-ater ]e vel in different parts of the orchard during the growing season. Set in a 

 vertical position a piece of pipe at least 2 inches in diameter and at least 3 feet 

 long, the lower end resting on small stones or gravel and the upper end flush \.ith 

 the surface,. A similar set-up in a dryer or wetter part of the orchard will serve for 

 comparison Then, as the ^Tater seeks its level in the pipe, vreekly measurements v;ith 

 a yardstick will give an indication of the aeration, or lack cf it, in the soil be- 

 neath the trees If the water level stands less than 3 feet from the surface during 

 Hay and particularly if the level is as high as 2 feet at times, receding slowly after 

 a wet spell^ it is a sure indication that trees in that area are under a tremendous 

 handicap^ and are more than likely to be unprofitable o 



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ORCHARD I-II3E AMD THE EURRICAM 



Vfishful thinking woiild have us believe that the orchard mouse population suf- 

 fered as much in the recent hurricanes as did the fruit crop and the trees c However, 

 the reverse is probably true, The few mice that may have been destroyed vdll be off- 

 set by the improved living conditions novr available. It seems that the necessity for 

 orchard mouse control in hurricane-damaged orchards is intensified. 



Many f ruitgr-swern. will be straightening up and bracing tipped trees. An effort 

 should be made to settle the newly-replaced earth tightly around the root system, If 

 there are open spaces beneath some of the larger roots, these vdll be a beginning for 

 a nev; mouse trail systems Being close to the roots, mice will siu-ely damage them, 

 Extended rcot damage is more serious than trunk girdling because it cannot be correc- 

 ted by grafting and is not readily detected r Not knowing that the roots are injured, 

 the fruitgrower continues to invest labor and materials on the tree but the return 

 may not be enough to cover the costo 



Most fruitgrowers have expressed intentions of picking up all windfall apples, 

 if they have not already done so,, Those who don't expect to remove all drops are re- 

 minded of our recommendation to use Zinc Phosphide-treated Steam Crushed Oats along 

 with the apple baits Zinc Phosphide-treated Steam Crushed Oats should be ordered im- 

 mediately through your local county agricultural agent* 



Mulching has been suggested for promoting nev/^oot growth of hurricane-damaged 

 trees. Mulching invites mice and concentrates them arourid the treeo At the same time, 

 hovTOver; their runs are more easily located. In other words, mulching vjithout mouse 

 control can be disastrous; mulching v/ith mouse control is good practice, Liulch should 

 not be placed within a foot and a half of the t2:Tank at any time of the year , 



A new leaflet giving details of construction of the mouse trail builder machine 

 for orchard mouse control has been prepared. Copies may be obtained upon request tf 

 the Fish & Wildlife Offices in Amherst „ 



— W, R, Jones, Mammal Control Supervisor 



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