FOREST INSECTS AND FUNGI 121 



here and there may be dead, and the remainder of the tree be 

 in full fohage. 



Another sign of the disease is the presence of thrifty one- 

 year sprouts on the trunks of fairly large trees. Usually on 

 close examination near or above these sprouts can be found a 

 spot with other characteristic symptoms. 



As yet no method of successfully combating the chestnut 

 bark disease is known. When a tree in the forest is attacked it 

 is virtually doomed. In the case of valuable shade trees, cutting 

 out the infected parts has in some cases been successful. The 

 exposed face of the cutting must be covered with paint or tar. 

 If this is done and all infected spots are completely removed, 

 the tree may be saved. Such treatment is, of course, out of the 

 question in handling forests on account of the expense. The 

 fungus cannot be reached by spraying as it is protected by 

 the bark of the tree. Several pathologists who have studied its 

 ravages predict the extermination of the chestnut unless some- 

 thing unforeseen stops the disease. 



If all the infected trees, in a section where the disease is just 

 beginning to spread, could be cut down and the brush and in- 

 fected bark burned, this evil might be checked in that locaUty, 

 but, unfortunately, all injured trees cannot be found. In a 

 forested region it is doubtful if any method will be successful. 

 It should be stated that Dr. G. P. Clinton, Botanist for the 

 Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station, holds a some- 

 what different view of the situation ^ from that commonly 

 expressed. He believes that the chestnut bark disease, although 

 a virulent disease, would not have caused the damage to the 

 chestnut, which has already resulted, had it not been powerfully 

 assisted by some other cause. Such a cause he finds in the un- 

 usual weather conditions existing in Connecticut since the year 

 1902. Winter injury was especially noticeable following the 

 winter of 1903-04. The severe droughts which have occurred 

 in the last few years, especially in 1907 and 191 1, have in- 



1 See Report of the Station Botanist: Connecticut Agricultural Experiment 

 Station Report, 1908. 



