growing tree is more resistant, observations seem to prove that soil 

 fertilization alone is not a cure. The principal remedies and treat- 

 ments advocated are being given a thorough test by this Commis- 

 sion, and should any of them be found successful, the public will be 

 so informed. At the present time, however, we can recommend noth- 

 ing but the treatment herein outlined, which will have to be carried 

 out thoroughly if any considerable degree of success is to be attained. 

 The work can be done by the owner himself in some cases, especially 

 if the trees are small or easily climbed. A good working knowledge 

 of the characteristics of the disease is essential, but the owner can 

 be sure when he does the work himself that the proper precautions 

 are takeji. The owner should ^also make numerous examinations 

 after the first treatment is concluded, and should be in a position 

 to remove the incipent infections, when this can be done cheaply 

 and before the trees are much harmed. 



TREATMENT 

 The treatment consists principally in cutting away the infected 

 portions of the tree. The mycelium quickly discolors the bark and a 

 sharp line between the apparently healthy and infected bark is usually 

 seen. However, the mycelium penetrates into the apparently healthy 

 bark, and if possible, the cut should be made one inch or more beyond 

 the discolored area. The mycelium also works to some extent into the 

 sapwood below the discolored area, and three or more an- 

 nual layers of wood should be removed as well. The smaller 

 infected branches should be cut ofif one foot or more below the 

 canker, when possible. If these branches are cut off at 

 the base, flush with the tree, the wound will heal over more 

 quickly, and there is less danger of the trees becoming reinfected. 

 If the infection lies near the base of a branch, care should be 

 taken to see if any of the mycelium has grown into the trunk. A 



gouge, chisel and mallet are the 

 ])roper tools for use in such work. 

 The gouge should be kept very 

 sliarj), so that the tissues at the 

 edge of the cut are not unneces- 

 sarily bruised, and the healing 

 over of the wound thus delayed. 

 AVith good work the new growth 

 will start directly under the cut 

 and will often be visible in less 

 than a week, in the actively grow- 

 ing season. The new growth takes 

 place at the sides of the wound. 

 Three handy tools in tree surgery. Often above and below a broad 



