MISCELLANEOUS INJURIES 263 



than early summer, probably May or the first of June. If they are 

 left on the trees too long, such insects as the woolly aphis may 

 take advantage of their shade by making it a breeding place, or 

 borer beetles may lay their eggs under them. Some injury also 

 seems to be done if the trunk is deprived too long of sunlight. 



Tar paper, sheet iron, laths nailed close together, and many 

 other devices have been brought forward as satisfactory protectors 

 against mice, each probably being the most satisfactory for a special 

 condition. Where sheet iron, veneer, and other forms of cylinder 

 protectors that do not permit of easy entrance of sunlight are used, 

 some device should be arranged to keep out the snow and sleet. 

 A collar or cap of red building paper could be easily made. A 

 piece of paper the shape of the collars worn by boys a few years 

 ago is just right. This paper should be wrapped around the top of 

 the cylinder and slightly slit at the top, so that it can be easily 

 and securely tied to the tree. It will form a slanting roof over 

 the cylinder, keeping out snow and sleet, and at the same time 

 prevent chafing by keeping the top of the cylinder away from 

 the tree. 



Ordinary wire screening is a form of protector that has met with 

 universal approval. The galvanized i-inch mesh screen is generally 

 preferred. A piece 18 inches long and 12 inches wide is required 

 for very young trees. It may be wrapped around the base of the 

 trunk, or may be bent into a cylindrical form first and then be 

 slipped quickly into place. Care should be taken to have it at least 

 2 inches below the soil to prevent underground girdling. This may 

 be easily accomplished by excavating slightly about the base of the 

 tree, or if the soil is soft, by pushing the screening into it. The 

 screen may be held together at its edge by two pieces of copper 

 wire or hay wire, or two wire nails thrust through the layers. At 

 the top a piece of binder twine tied from one side of the screen 

 around the tree to the other side, from east to west and also from 

 north to south, will hold the screen away from the tree. Otherwise, 

 it will be necessary to watch the trees so that they will not be girdled 

 by the rubbing of the screening against the trunks. If the screening 

 is put on in this way, it can remain during the summer ; and if 

 the galvanized screening is used, it will last for several years and 

 is therefore cheaper in the end. 



