O2 Forty-rIrst ANNUAL REPORT ON THE | ast aie) ae 
The mycelium of this fungus is usually pure white, and is not 
killed by freezing in the wood. In bridges it is very destructive. 
Trametes Pini is also found upon ties of this wood, butis confined to 
the portions above ground. It will grow and fruit with less moisture 
than Lentinus lepideus, but as far as observed, its rapidity of destruc- 
tion is not so great. ; 
The fungus shown in Fig. IIT appears on the sap-wood of yellow 
pine, giving it a dark, dingy appearance, and if 
the dampness continues fermentations are set up, 
destroying the wood. 
Spheria Pilifera attacks the sap-wood, discolors 
and quickly destroys this portion of the wood 
Fie. TIL haan pili. Under favorable conditions for its growth. The 
fera, Pr. magnified five yosinous matter in yellow pine does not protect it 
in out-door situations, from attacks of the fungi mentioned. 
The heart wood of yellow pine is so dense and firm that it is not 
readily penetrated by antiseptics. The same remarks in regard to 
imbedding white oak ties apply to this wood. In buildings, yellow 
pine is attacked by Merulius lacrymans, Fr., where it is warm and damp 
and the air stagnant. 
White pine, Pinus Strobus, L., when used in bridges and trestles, is 
attacked by Lentinus lepideus, Fr., Agaricus melleus Vahl., Polyporus | 
Vaillantii Fr. and, in warm inclosures, Merulius lacrymans Fr. Both 
the latter are very destructive. 7 
There are many other woods whose structure is well adapted to 
their use as railroad ties, but which are so quickly destroyed by fungi 
as to be of no value unless judiciously treated. These are the beech, 
birches, elms and maples. 
The above will be sufficient to call attention to the practical impor- — 
tance of a study of the fungi, in an economic sense as applied to the 
decay of wood. 
The following simple but effective measures for the preservation of 
wood can at once be put in practice 
Timber, ties and boards should be seasoned before using, except 
when submerged. Green wood, according to the species, contains from 
twenty-five to forty-eight per cent of its weight of sap or moisture, 
and fully one-half these amounts must be removed to prevent decay 
in lumber painted on one side, or large sticks of timber painted on 
all sides, as buffers and car sills, transoms, truck bolsters and 
timbers. ake 
All lumber and timber should be piled so there can be a free circu- 
lation of air around and between each board or stick. Stringers, six 
y 
