THE HOME 'GROUNDS AND WOOD LOT 475 



3. Tree Enemies 



While most of the common trees are not subject to a 

 large number of enemies, yet they must have reasonable 

 care and protection if they are to thrive. 



Farm animals. One of the most common mistakes 

 in starting young trees is to allow them to be exposed to 

 stock. Cattle, sheep or hogs are sure to injure the trees 

 by grazing upon the leaves and branches, by trampling 

 them, or by rubbing against them. The wood lot should 

 be fenced, and all stock excluded until the trees are well 

 grown. Horses should never be tied to trees. 



Weeds and sod. Young trees are as easily injured as 

 any other plant by weeds or grass. Many people seem to 

 think that because large trees can take care of themselves 

 against these enemies young trees can do the same. But 

 trees once checked in their growth by the choking of weeds 

 or sod will never fully recover. 



Insect and fungous enemies. Shade and timber trees 

 are, on the whole, less subject to insect and fungous attacks 

 than fruit trees. Yet occasionally even the most hardy trees 

 succumb to such enemies. The elm, one of the healthiest 

 of our trees, has recently suffered greatly in certain regions. 

 The chestnut has also been seriously afflicted with a bark 

 disease. Whole forests of fir have died in southern locali- 

 ties. Even the catalpa is subject to a fungous trouble at 

 certain stages of its growth. Whenever a considerable 

 number of trees in a locality show signs of disease, an 

 expert should be consulted and his directions followed. 



TOPICS FOR INVESTIGATION 



1. Join with the teacher and class in making a collec- 

 tion of all the woods in your locality. Use seasoned woods 

 for specimens when possible, selecting sticks two or three 

 inches in diameter, and sawing them about four inches 



