Dec. 1901.] BOTANICAL SOCIETY OF EDINBURGH 107 



In eftect I practically did so, hy so isolating it that no 

 contiguous piece could become att'ected by direct contact 

 during the time I have allowed it to remain for the 

 sake of experiment. Had the structure been part of a 

 valuable building 1 should, no doubt, have acted otherwise 

 The afiected beam being however one of a few newly added 

 parts, while the older parts were very hard, sound, and 

 well protected with paint, the experiments were, under the 

 circumstances, so far excusable. 



They were these— The mycelia of the fungus, which 

 showed only the white cottony iilaments forming the early 

 stage of the " pileus " were, as tested by cutting, confined 

 to quite a superficial layer along one edge which was 

 exposed and perfectly accessible, quite characteristic. 

 These mycelia were first carefully removed, and the under- 

 lying surface of wood repeatedly soaked on successive 

 days with a strong solution of copper sulphate. The 

 " hymenium," with its characteristic wrinkling and rusty 

 spores, not having been developed, I concluded that the 

 chances of the fungus spreading (should it do so) to other 

 timbers would only take place by burrowing of the 

 mycelia. This process of repeated soakings with the 

 saline solution, with thorough drying in the intervals — the 

 ventilation being very perfect — was continued for some 

 weeks before the " curative " part of the experiment was 

 concluded by coating the piece of wood upon every surface 

 with a thick layer of paint and varnish. 



Before this was done, chips and borings were examined 

 which showed the mycelia in the surface layers apparently 

 completely shrivelled and devitalised, — a consummation 

 the permanence of which it will be the purpose of an 

 investigation some months hence to corroborate, or 

 otherwise. 



From recent tests and present experiences I am, 

 however, of opinion that those portions of the fungus 

 which come within the range of the treatment just 

 mentioned are not likely to crop up again, and the 

 affected part, being perfectly local, is but little likely 

 to give further opportunities of varying the experiment. 

 Regarding any fears I might have respecting the 

 possibilities of the fungus, which in this instance is 



