DISEASES AND THEIR CURE 103 



those shown by trees suffering from drought. It 

 is, however, easy to discover the existence of the 

 disease by examining the roots themselves and the 

 first two or three feet of the stem. If the roots are 

 really attacked, close inspection will reveal a 

 diseased condition of their outer tissues. When the 

 tree is cut it will be seen that a red discoloration, 

 extending from the ground level for a distance of 

 two or three feet upwards, is present in the stem ; 

 this may occur as a ring outside or as a general 

 discoloration of the tissue near the centre of the 

 stem. The death of the roots and the red dis- 

 coloration of the stem are the two absolutely 

 distinguishing signs of the condition. 



Drastic remedial measures should be adopted 

 immediately any disease is discovered. The 

 infected trees should be cut down, their roots 

 carefully dug up and the whole burned ; the soil 

 from which the tree has been taken should be given 

 a good dressing and be well forked over and, as a 

 further precaution, the infected area should be 

 isolated by a trench 2 ft. deep and 2 ft. wide, the 

 soil from this being thrown on the infected land. 

 This should be allowed to rest for a year before 

 fresh trees are planted. When root disease first 

 appears the whole of the drainage and general 

 condition of the estate should be promptly and 

 thoroughly overhauled and all defects remedied as 

 a precaution against further infection. 



