262 



THE APPLE 



Injury by mice. The injury by mice to all crops during a year 

 reaches enormous proportions. At certain times between fall and 

 spring they seem to have a decided liking for young apple trees, 

 completely girdling many and partially girdling others, thereby 

 causing unsatisfactory growth. Young trees that have grass or rub- 

 bish quite close to their trunks are liable to be attacked. Under 

 ordinary conditions an apple tree 4 or 5 inches in diameter is safe 

 from attack, but when food is very scarce, even these may suffer. 



Trees loaded with fruit, causing the branches to touch the ground and in many cases 

 necessitating props 



Several ways have been found to protect trees against mice. 

 One is to use thin strips of wood called "wood veneers," which 

 may be easily wrapped around the tree and tied with string or wire. 

 The lower ends may be creosoted to prevent rot if the veneers get 

 pushed into the ground. An important point to remember is that 

 the wood should be wet, preferably soaked in water, before being 

 tied in place. The cost of these veneers is about a cent each, often 

 less. They should not be placed about the tree until early autumn, 

 probably the last of August or during September in the Northern 

 states, nor should they be allowed to remain around the trees later 



