262 



REPORT OF THE 



No. 3 



(c) A special case, calling for an investigation of heartwood weakened by 

 fungi, was referred to the Forestry Branch by the manufacturers concerned, 

 a year or so ago, in connection with the use of birch for spokes. A preliminary 

 examination of our birch was soon after undertaken, and it has become evident 

 that certain types of defective trees, easily recognizable, should be avoided 

 as a source of wood calling for maximum resistance. The defects in question 



Fig. 1. — Fruit-body of the True Tinder Fungus on living Yellow Birch. 



are ascribable to the true tinder fungus, one of the oldest known fungi, but 

 like many others, imperfectly understood. A preliminary account follows. 



(3) A Preliminary Account of the True Tinder Fungus. 



The true tinder fungus attacks standing or fallen beech, birch, poplar, 

 and occasionally elm, causing a whitish decay. It is readily recognised by its 



