54 TREE WOUNDS AND DISEASES 



passing cart, roller, or mowing machine. Such 

 injuries soon become tenanted by the honey 

 fungus (Agaricus melleus]^ which often is 

 found in masses at the base of the affected 

 tree or contiguous to large roots. Accom- 

 panying the fungus will generally be found 

 long, black, stringy growths, which spread with 

 great rapidity beneath the bark and on dead 

 stumps and in the adjoining soil. They quickly 

 spread from root to root, the health of the 

 tree is affected, and, if left untouched, they will 

 ultimately cause its death. The honey fungus, 

 which, by the way, is edible, attacks the roots 

 of many species of coniferous and other trees. 



Another root fungus is the well-known 

 Fomes annosus^ which specially preys on the 

 roots of the Scotch pine and silver fir, as also 

 the hazel, birch, and lime. Where possible, 

 all traces of these fungi should be removed and 

 the affected parts treated with carbolineum. 



When fungus has permeated the roots, little 

 can be done to save the tree ; but with super- 

 ficial injuries, remedies, if applied in time, are 

 generally followed by good and lasting results. 

 Roots which run near the surface are most 



