CHESTNUT BLIGHT CONTINUES 



By OLIVER D. SCHOCK 



THAT the chestnut bark-disease this connection it might be explained 

 has not abated its virulence in that the Pennsylvania Chestnut Tree 

 southern and eastern Pennsyl- Blight Commission has closed its finan- 

 vania forest areas this spring cial accounts with the Commonwealth 

 because of natural enemies, as some op- of Pennsylvania, and refunded to the 

 timists had predicted, has been con- State Treasurer a snug little balance 

 firmed by recent investigations. The which had remained unexpended, 

 numerous observations just made have Friends of forest conservation are 

 effectually dispelled the idea prevalent making the prediction that the next leg- 

 in some minds that Nature would soon islature will again make an appropria- 

 come to our relief and supply some tion for the renewal of the fight for 

 other parasite to remove or effectually the preservation of Pennsylvania's im- 

 control this fatal enemy of the native mensely valuable chestnut timber. The 

 chestnut. In some unknown manner, amended law on the statutes continues 

 the pest is still able to maintain its the Governor's authority to appoint the 

 ascendancy in power, and those who necessary members of a Chestnut Tree 

 are regarded as the most competent cri- Blight Commission indefinitely, or just 

 terions as to the situation in its true so long as their services may be re- 

 aspect declare that there is as yet no garded as of value to the Common- 

 foundation for the fulfillment of the wealth. This amendment to the original 

 hope that the equilibrium of Nature Act of Assembly was passed and ap- 

 lost would be restored in the near proved during the closing days of the 

 future; in fact, chestnut owners are in session of 1913. Under these condi- 

 despair, because they are compelled to tions, it is only necessary that an appro- 

 battle, against the disease, so far as priation bill should be introduced and 

 Pennsylvania interests are concerned, passed. There is hardly any doubt, 

 without receiving any assistance from whatever, as to the fact that either of 

 the State authorities. the gubernatorial candidates now con- 

 Reports from western Pennsylvania testing for the office being in thorough 

 counties are more favorable ; for accord with all reasonable forestry 

 wherever the cutting-out process was questions or propositions. The Corn- 

 practiced last season, the bark-disease is monwealth, with its own one million 

 found but infrequently, and if the ef- acres of forest land, could not be other- 

 fective work done by the State at that wise than in sympathy with the ques- 

 period is now maintained by the owners, tion of forest protection and develop- 

 they will be able to make a successful ment. 



stand against the rapid and costly Nurserymen report that there is a 



spread of the parasite. At the worst, better demand for chestnut nursery 



only spot infections occur in the coun- stock than last season; that certain 



ties west of the Allegheny Mountains, varieties are being ordered and planted 



and it will be a matter of sincere regret more freely, and that there are expecta- 



if the contest inaugurated by the State tions that with proper watchfulness and 



should now be permitted to lapse, cultivation, chestnut orchards may 



because the Chestnut Tree Blight Com- again be established with success, 



mission refused a proffered appropria- Planters venture upon the expectation 



tion of $100 because the amount would that the chestnut blight may be extermi- 



prove insufficient to perform all of the nated by the discovery of some simple 



work that had been mapped out for remedial agency, such as was the case 



the coming two years, and because a when the fruit tree owner learned that 



larger amount had been asked for. In lime, sulphur and salt, properly com- 

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