MCKENZIE: STORM DAMAGE IN MASSACHUSETTS 
33 
insect pests may be promoted by the effects of the hurricane ? These 
are some of the problems encountered in dealing with storm damage in 
Massachusetts. Some of these items are to be dealt with individually 
in other papers and therefore are not discussed here. However, the 
matter of tree diseases in Massachusetts is most significant. At present, 
grave concern is felt in Massachusetts for the problem of the encroach¬ 
ment of the Dutch elm disease. Latest reports indicate that the disease 
is now about ten miles from the southwest corner of the State in New 
York so that from the standpoint of dealing with the problem the danger 
is as great as though the disease were present in Massachusetts. The 
known carrier insects of the causal fungus are already present in Massa¬ 
chusetts and the possibility of the undiscovered presence of the disease 
fungus must not be overlooked. Although advice on disposing of cut 
elms has been disseminated widely throughout the State, reason compels 
the conclusion that an early increase in the bark beetle population is 
inevitable. 
Regarding the relation of utilities and tree planting programs a fertile 
field is open for imagination and cultivation. In consideration of the 
statement that falling trees carry utility lines with them, it must be 
admitted that trees sometimes hold up falling lines and poles, and are 
not uncommonly used as guys. 
The subject of evergreens and their injuries and future welfare 
deserves complete elaboration which perhaps may be accorded it by 
others. Studies in Massachusetts reveal that discoloration of evergreen 
foliage, particularly white pine, was widespread during the past summer. 
The condition has often been described as ‘‘needle-blight” of white pine. 
Both excess moisture and lack of it have been variously ascribed as 
causes of this trouble. Commonly the new growth of an entire tree is 
affected although limited discoloration has been noted also. The salt 
spray injury to evergreens apparent after the hurricane in some places 
added to the confusion of evergreen maladies. Injury to plants from 
salt spray is not a new discovery in regions along the coast where this 
injury often occurs to a limited extent. In the recent storm, salt was 
deposited about tree roots in some cases and doubtless more permanent 
injury to these trees may be expected than in the case of trees sprayed 
lightly with salt. White pine has commonly been reported as affected 
by the salt spray but careful observation shows other trees to be injured 
also. The berries of holly near the coast are scarce or lacking this year 
presumably because of hurricane effects. 
