The daily morning journal and courier., 1902-09-26
BRIDGEPORT'S TREES.
STATE ENTOMOLOGIST BRIT
 TON EXAMINES

Rows on East SIde-FInds That Escap- ing Gas Has Killed Many-Recom- mends That Mains Re Repaired and Kept in Good ConditiOn-Issues Warming Against the San Jose Scale and Other Insects.
 Yesterdays Bridgeport Standard says: Alderman Joseph M. Sanger, of the Ninth district, yesterday received the appended self-explanatory comrnu-- nication from w. E. Britton, the state entomologist. concerning the wide spread death of maple trees about the city and pest of insects which are ru- ming fruit trees in general. There is much valuable information in the com- munication which is of general interest: "On September F visited Bridgeport at the request of Alderman Joseph M. Sanger, to examine some of the dead and dying trees on William street and Noble avenue. These trees present no indication of having been killed by any insect or other enemy attacking them from the outside and above ground. The fact that the gas mains have re- gently been overhauled, and many leaks found along the streets, is q strong indi- cation that the escaping gas is the ground is responsible for the death of the trees. Moreover, close beside two or three of the dead trees I noticed. that the ground had recently been dug up and I was informed that leaks were found at these points It is well to know that escaping gas will, from its effect on the root system, kill a tree in a short time. We know oe several cases. in New Haven and Norwich as well as other cities where this has oc- cured.
 "The white, frothy appearance of some of the trees is caused by the bac- teria in the inner bark. It seems prob able that these must gain entrance through a wound or injury, and there fore should be considered as an inciden- tai and not a. primary cause of death. When tree is injured by gas it is sub ject to the attacks of the borers, and in Q wet season the cannbium layer would be in favorable condition for the growth of the bacteria. These might enter through the tunnel of a borer, or in fact any mutilation. This may be treated by removing the bark of the dis eased spot, drying the surface and painting the wood. If the sap does not dry up readily upon removing the bark, the spot may be covered with plaster of Paris before painting.
 "It is probable that the other trees along these streets may be preserved if the gas mains are kept in perfect re- pair.
 Permit me to call attention to anoth- CT insect problem confronting the prop erty owners and residents of Bridge port. I refer to the San Jose scale in- sect, which is killing so many fruit trees, shrubs, etc., in the gardens nearly all over your city. The trees can be saved only by a prompt and thorough treatment. Spraying them at this time of the year with fifteen per cent. of kerosene oil in water (the two being mixed together by special form of pump) will kill many of the young in- sects and check their spread.
 "A thorough spraying next spring just before the leaves appear, using twenty-five per cent. Of kerosene or crude ail in the same manner or the time, sulphur and salt mixture will kill large proportion of the insects. It is impossible, however, to destroy every insect, with a single treatment, and the application should be repeated each year. Previous to spraying, it is well to cut back the injured trees, burning all the branches. The trees can then be covered more readily.
 'This is the worst pest of the Con- necticut fruit orchards at present. and it is so very small and spreads with great rapidity, trees are frequently ru- ined before it's presence is discovered.
 ''I shall be glad to give further infor- nation about this insect to anyone de- siring it.''
 "W. F. BRITTON,
 tState Entomologist."