lUll.] rUBLlC DOCUMExXT — No. 31. 57 



of the elm-leaf beetle and other pests, the disease seemed to be 

 more common at first in the Connecticut valley. 



The writer has been informed by one who has had some 

 opportunity to observe this disease that it apj)ears to be less 

 prevalent on high elevations than in the valleys. This opinion 

 is, of conrse, based on merely casual observations. Whether 

 there is really any distinct difference between valleys and high 

 elevations as regards the prevalence of this disease wonld be in- 

 teresting to observe. If this were the case, one might expect 

 to find the disease most commonly in the valleys, like the Con- 

 necticut, Blackstone, Housatonic, etc., in this State. It is, how- 

 ever, quite significant that the Connecticut valley region should 

 possess such a large amount of infection as compared with other 

 sections. We have noticed for some time that there is a differ- 

 ence in the degree of winterkilling occurring in valleys and high 

 elevations in this State. By far a greater amount of winter- 

 killing of trees occurred in river valleys and on the lower eleva- 

 tions during the severe winter of 1903-04 than on the higher 

 elevations, the Connecticut valley being especially notable in this 

 respect. It is, moreover, a significant coincidence that the chest- 

 nut disease should make its appearance at about the same time 

 that vegetation was so severely injured by the severe cold which 

 occurred during the Avinter of 1903-04 all over the northeastern 

 part of the United States. 



Our observations on the effects of meteorological conditions 

 on vegetation, and the unusual opportunities we have had to 

 study shade-tree conditions for some years, have brought to our 

 attention the unusually large amount of dead wood found on 

 chestnut trees the past four or five years. From what we have 

 seen of the chestnut during this period we are of the opinion 

 that it has not been in the best condition during late years, and 

 that the chestnut, like the native white and black oaks, elm, red 

 and rock maples, ash, etc., has been more or less affected by the 

 severe cold and drought of late years. It is intended during the 

 coming year that a more serious and thorough investigation of 

 the cause and distribution of the chestnut disease be made in 

 this State. In the meanwhile it is essential that lumbermen 

 cut off their diseased trees and make use of them now. 



