FUNGOUS AXl) JJACTEKIAJ. DISEASES 



■2\] 



parasites destroy more timber aniiiuilly than do lurcsL lirt-s. 

 The visible portions, the sporophores, of these tree-destroying 

 fungi are pushed out at certain s(>asons, or during certain 

 weather conditions, and pour clouds of spores into the air to 

 infect surrounding trees. These disease breeders should be 

 the first to be made hito lirewood in animal cuttinir from the 

 wood lot. The sporophores slnnild also be destroyed as soon 

 as they appear, lly a little intelligent cooperation a connnu- 

 nity could bring these pests under control, and liowever 

 valuable the trees may 

 be in themselves, the 

 sttidy will be worth 

 while as an example 

 of spread and preven- 

 tion of disease. 



Koot rot of fruit trees 

 is a matter that will call 

 for special attention in 

 certain sections. Two con- 

 spicuous mushrooms, Cli- 

 tocyhe parcifiitica and the 

 common honey mush- 

 room (Armi/laria mellea), show strong parasitic tendencies when brought 

 into contact with the roots or crowns of apple, peach, or cherry trees. 

 In clearing- land for orchards it is advisable to remove all stumps and 

 roots that are likely to harbor these fungi. 



Invite the local forester or tree surgeon to discuss these jiroblems 

 with the class. Learn from him the best treatment for tree wounds. 

 (A^'ounds of any size made in [nnining should be sealed with paint or 

 gas tar.) As laboratory work let. the class, in convenient groups, make 

 some experiments in tree surgery where most needed about homes, 

 school vard, or streets. 



Civic types for study. Duggar describes, or mentions, in 

 his book " Fungous Diseases of Plants," 238 fungi that 

 attack the common plants and trees of forest, orchard, 

 garden, and field. Tie also gives a most useful Host Index 



Fig. 100. Apple inoculated, at pin, with 



spores of brown rot from nuunmied plum. 



Control apple 



As instructive as a case of smallpox 



