In view of the continued rapid spread of the chestnut blight, and
the great damage sustained through this relentless parasite, it is
important at the present time to have more complete information on the
possibility of controlling its spread. It is now an established fact
that the disease exists in China, and that it was probably introduced
into America from the Orient. This disposes of the theory that the
blight is caused by a native fungus, originally a saprophyte or weak
parasite, which gained vigor, or appeared to gain vigor because of
the decadence of the native chestnut trees from the effects of drouth
and winter injury. It is evident that it would be difficult, if not
impossible, to control a native fungus of wide dissemination, with
predisposing factors in its favor. But even the most severe critics
have acknowledged that foreign origin of the parasite affords “at least
some basis for the fight for control.”[9]
[9] Clinton, G. P. Science 36: pp. 907-914, Dec. 27, 1912.