is fungus, called
the "Connellsville fungus," is a distinct species closely related to the
true blight fungus, being, however, entirely saprophytic. Cultural
distinctions are apparent and the ascospores differ in size and shape so
that no further confusion need occur.

Upon the question of immunity of certain kinds of Asiatic stock, there
is very little to report beyond what was known one year ago. In the
investigations made the work has been hampered by the fact that much of
the so-called Japanese stock is in reality a hybrid of European or
American species. In 1909, 45 Japanese seedling trees were set out at
Gap, Lancaster Co., for experimentation along this line. A recent
examination showed that 90 per cent are infected. Concerning the variety
or purity of this stock, I have not been informed. Our force as well as
others are at work upon the problem which will require many years'
study.

Previous investigations seem to show that certain pure strains of
Japanese and Korean chestnut are resistant to the blight. Blight cankers
may be found upon them but they are less easily infected and suffer less
than the more susceptible varieties. With this as a working basis,
considering the results that have been attained in other fruit by
selection and hybridization, the situation is hopeful. Prof. Collins
said at the Harrisburg Conference in February that "There is no reason
to doubt that we may eventually see an immune hybrid chestnut that will
rival the American chestnut in flavor and the Paragon in size".

In southern Europe chestnut orcharding is a well established and
profitable industry. In the United States chestnuts have been considered
a marketable commodity ever since the Indians carried them to the
settlements and traded them for knives and trinkets. The demand has
always exceeded the supply and at the present time about $2,000,000
worth of nuts are imported from Europe annually. With the development of
the better varieties of the American nut has come an increased activity
in the United States and the chestnut orchard industry promises to
become one of very large importance. It has an added advantage that the
trees can be grown upon the poorer types of soil which are not adaptable
for farming or the raising of other fruit.

At the present time there are in what is known as the blight area of
Pennsylvania, or eastern half of the State, about 100 orchards ranging
from 12 trees up to 400 acres in extent. These orcha