12 



55. The nuts are superior in flavor to the foreign ches- 

 nuts, although they are smaller. Some of the mountain far- 

 mers make a practice of gathering chestnuts to be sold in 

 Atfaens, Gainesville, Atlanta, and other Middle Georgia 

 cities, w^here they bring about $3 a bushel. 



56. The chestnut occurs abundantly in the Mountains 

 and scatteringly in the Piedmont. It is said that in former 

 times it was more abundant in the Piedmont than at present; 

 and its decrease has been explained by insect and fungous 

 attacks. It is probable that the importance of insect and fun- 

 gous attacks has been over-stressed. The insects and fungi 

 have no doubt done their part of the destructive virork; but 

 they are not the only agents at v?ork. The wood is in de- 

 mand, even in small sizes; and this has led to severe cutting. 

 The nuts are eaten by men and other animals; this hinders 

 a plentiful reproduction. It is not fire-resistant. When all 

 of these things are considered, there is no wonder that the 

 chestnut is not so abundant as it was. 



57. In the New England and Middle States a fungous 

 disease known as the chestnut bark disease, has done great 

 harm to the chestnut forests for the last few years. It is to 

 be hoped that it w^ill run its course before it reaches the 

 South. It is unwise, however, to take alarm at an outbreak 

 of one of these diseases, except to observe such precautions 

 as one may to prevent an outbreak or to curb its spread. 

 By referring to the chapters on caring for the stand it will 

 be seen that the preventive measures are simple and consist 

 mostly in keeping out fires and in thinning the stands at in- 

 tervals to keep them in a healthy, thrifty, resistant condi- 

 tion. 



58. White oak, Quercus alba.— The leaves are deeply 



