SHADE TREE AND TIMBER DESTROYING FUNGI. 235 



if not destroyed. The trees may live for years, or even a cen- 

 tury or more with the fungus inside still growing. They may 

 be so weakened that they are broken down or uprooted during 

 strong winds. Shade trees may be rendered unsightly, and 

 lacking in density of foliage. Fruit trees may be rendered less 

 fruitful if not ultimately killed. Timber trees in a very few 

 years may be so injured as to be worthless for the market. 



In their relation to forestry these studies emphasize the 

 desirability of careful and economical methods in the felling of 

 timber to protect the young stand from injury, in the supply of 

 light to the forest floor, and in the protection from fire. For 

 while many forest fires may not be so severe as to kill the trees 

 outright the fire often scorches exposed roots, or the base of 

 trunks, where the leaves are thick, or by a dead and dry log or 

 stump, thus affording an entrance for these wound parasites. 



In the handling of fruit and shade trees there should be the 

 greatest care from the nursery stock to the fruiting tree to pre- 

 vent wounds. In pruning operations especially should there be 

 care in pruning smooth and close to the trunk, followed by the 

 use of some antiseptic wash, or lead paint. 



