[Vor. 1 
248 ANNALS OF THE MISSOURI BOTANICAL GARDEN 
In the same locality in which Polyporus texanus occurred, one 
mesquite tree was found bearing a sporophore of Fomes rimosus 
Berk. This fungus causes the heart rot of Robinia Pseudo—Acacia 
(10), and it is of interest to note its occurrence on a new host. 
The specimen found is a typical sporophore of Fomes rimosus, 
measuring about two inches in length ; unfortunately it was not 
recognized at the time of collection, and sections of the affected 
tree were therefore not made. In view of the destructive char- 
acter of this fungus when found on Robinia, however, it is prob- 
able that it causes a similar heart rot of the mesquite. Further 
search will be made in the San Antonio region for additional 
evidences of its occurrence. 
The wood of the mesquite is usually described as being very 
resistant to decay after it has been cut from the tree. For many 
years mesquite posts have been used in the southwest in prefer- 
ence to other kinds. Mesquite ties, foundation posts, etc., 
have also proved that the wood is very resistant to decay. This 
applies only to the heart-wood, however. The sap-wood is very 
short-lived, and where small trunks are cut, as is now frequently 
the case, and used for fence posts, the length of life is very short, 
—sometimes not over two to three years. The destruction of 
the sap-wood is due to a number of insects and saprophytic 
fungi, all of which are common on dead branches, posts, etc., 
in the vicinity of San Antonio. Of the more common fungi, the 
following were recently collected: Polystictus Lindheimeri B. & 
C., Stereum Leveillianum Fr., Schizophyllum commune Fr., Len- 
zites protractus Fr., and Stereum albobadium Schw. 
The author acknowledges assistance from the following: 
Mr. Kearney Mason, of San Antonio, for permission to fell 
trees on his land and assistance in doing so ; Dr. E. A. Burt, 
Mycologist and Librarian to the Missouri Botanical Garden, 
and Mr. C. G. Lloyd for aid in the identification of species of 
fungi. 
