82 STUDIES OF TREES 



Soil and location: It will grow on rocky as well as on 

 fertile soils and requires plenty of light. 



Enemies: During the past nine years nearly all the 

 chestnut trees in the United States have been attacked 

 by a fungus disease (Diaporthe parasitica, Mur.) which 

 still threatens the entire extinction of the chestnut trees 

 in this country. No remedy has been discovered and 

 all affected trees should be cut down and the wood utilized 

 before it decays and becomes worthless. No species of 

 chestnut tree is entirely immune from this disease, though 

 some species are highly resistant. 



Value for planting: The chestnut is one of the most 

 rapidly growing hardwood trees but, on account of its 

 disease, which is now prevalent everywhere, it is not wise 

 to plant chestnut trees for the present. 



Commercial value: The wood is light, not very strong 

 and liable to warp. It is durable when brought in contact 

 with the soil and is therefore used for railroad ties, fence- 

 posts, poles, and mine timbers. It is also valuable for 

 interior finish in houses and for fuel. Its bark is used in 

 the manufacture of tanning extracts and the nuts are sold 

 in cities in large quantities. 



