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the tree it apparently ate the seed borne in the axils of the leaves 
and dropped the stem to the ground. An examination of the 
numerous specimens of this weed in the immediate vicinity 
showed many plants whose seed-bearing branches had been 
gnawed off. As the place where the squirrel was actually seen 
eating the seeds is well guarded by a high wire fence, and as it is, 
furthermore, one to which visitors rarely resort, there seems to 
be little, if any, reason to doubt that the many stumps on the 
plants are remnants of branches gnawed off by the squirrels. 
How extensive a habit the eating of the seeds of this species 
of Ambrosia is among the gray squirrels, and, consequently, how 
great a check upon this particular ragweed’s increase it may be, 
are matters about which it is difficult to assert anythin 
should be borne in mind that only one squirrel was secaally 
observed eating the seeds. The plants are, however, so numerous 
hereabouts that there seems to be no present cause for hay-fever 
sufferers and their sympathizers to rejoice, or for those interested 
in the protection of the local flora to be downcast over the speedy 
extermination of Ambrosia irifida. 
t may also be pertinent to suggest that possibly the squirrels 
may have taken to eating the seeds of the ragweed, as well as 
certain parts of other plants, by reason of the recent destructive 
effects of the chestnut tree fungus, which has cut off one of their 
principal former sources of food supply. 
Epwin W. HuMPHREYS. 
WINTER DECORATIVE SHRUBS. 
What can we do to make our out-of-door surroundings more 
attractive during the long winter months? From spring until 
fall we have an abundance of flowering trees, shrubs and herbs 
to make bright our landscapes, and if we will only choose the 
right ones, some of the shrubs and trees will delight the eye during 
the bleakness of winter. While these lack flowers at that time 
of the year, and while most of them lose their foliage at the 
approach of cold weather, there are certain others which have a 
