33 



PINE TREE BLIGHT. 



There has been much concern over a condition of the pine 

 trees during the past season. A small per cent of the white pine 

 trees in every section of the State have been affected with a 

 malady which has caused the tips of the needles to turn brown 

 and die. Trees thus affected were very conspicuous, and during 

 midseason, when it was very dry, they took on a very unhealthy 

 appearance. Some trees were more pronounced than others, 

 depending upon just how far down the needles from the tip the 

 so-called "blight" had -spread. All trees, however, even though 

 slightly affected, showed sickly characteristics, in that even the 

 remaining live portions of the tree were lighter in color, and the 

 current seasons growth was much impaired. Both large and 

 small trees were equally troubled, but it was quite noticeable 

 that almost invariably those trees showing the naturally weaker 

 vitality in their struggles for existence were the ones affected. 

 Trees that are badly affected are sure to die, as the evergreens 

 cannot withstand defoliation, in this respect differing from de- 

 ciduous trees. 



As soon as the fall rains came, these trees took on a better color, 

 and the reddish tips, so characteristic during the summer, be- 

 came inconspicuous or dropped off, so that at present the trouble 

 is not so noticeable. Whether this blight will be as i>ad again 

 next season is problematical. Trees that have been affected the 

 past season will undoubtedly show the effects in retarded growth 

 and vitality next; and, should the trouble reassert itself, it will 

 probably be advisable to utilize them for timber or wood. In the 

 case of small trees which occur here and there it would be advis- 

 able to cut and burn them, as a precautionary method. 



The following interview, which appeared in the Boston "Tran- 

 script," Aug. 20, 1907, gives a very clear statement of our study 

 of the disease : 



There is much speculation throughout the State as to how serious 

 will be this blight. Land owners who see their trees dying are writing 

 to the State Forester on the subject, asking for information and advice; 

 and it is apparent that it is causing deep concern. In some instances it 

 has attacked favorite trees which from important features of ornamen- 

 tal schemes in parks and on private estates, and large sums of money 



