464 STARVATION. 



2. Stagnation of the sap, resulting from hunger — 

 Stagnans effames. This is not the decrepitude occa- 

 sioned by old age, but that which occurs when the 

 tree is young, and should be in full vigor. It may re- 

 sult from the barrenness of the soil in which the tree 

 stands, the presence of stagnant water, or from a sub- 

 sti"atum of poor soil near the surface, through which 

 tHe roots cannot penetrate. From whichever of these 

 it immediately results, the primary cause is insuffi- 

 cient or improper food. When a tree has become pos- 

 sessed with this disease, it ceases to grow ; the foliage 

 is diminutive, and of a yellowish color. The bark 

 adheres very closely to the tree, which, if it produces 

 fruit, is of a most insignificant character. After this 

 disease has become settled, it is incurable ; but in its 

 earlier stages it is very susceptible to proper treat- 

 ment. When simple barrenness of the soil is the cause, 

 abundance of good, rich manure should be applied. 

 Stagnant water can be removed by draining, and an 

 impervious stratum broken up by proper subsoiling. 



3. Stagnation of the sap from transplantation — 

 Stagnans elethargla. This disease is principally con- 

 fined to trees which have been set late in the spring. 

 If the season of planting is followed by drought, the 

 tree does not burst its buds, although it is alive, be- 

 cause the production of rootlets is prevented by the 

 dryness of the soil. It can be prevented, and is 

 sometimes remedied, by mulching the ground about 

 the tree, and by moistening the stem. 



