ECONOMIC IMPORTANCE OF FUNGI 
2Q7 
only method of checking the spread of the disease is to 
cut down and burn all affected trees. Millions of dollars 
worth of damage has been caused by this disease within 
the past seven or eight years. The financial loss in New 
York City and vicinity, alone, has been estimated at 
much more than $5,000,000, while the loss for the entire 
United States, up to 1911, was estimated by the Federal 
FIG. 219. Chestnut-blight fungus (Endolhia parasitica). Fruiting 
pustules and spore-masses from cultures. X about 8. A, stages in the 
development of the pustules; B, C, D, various forms of spore discharge 
in a moist atmosphere. (After Murrill.) 
Government at not less than $25,000,000. In 1910, the 
state of Pennsylvania appointed a special commission of 
experts for the investigation and control of the disease, 
and appropriated over $275,000 to meet the necessary 
expense of the work. 
285. Grain Smut. The smuts of wheat, oats, barley, 
and corn are among the commoner pests of the farmer. 
