8 



lU'LLETJX 122, V .. S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE, 



off the branch is a sure sigu of the typical rot within. The red color 

 may not show at the base of every branch, in which case several may 

 be examined. If the red color does not show after the knot has been 

 opened with the corner of an ax, the branch may still show a yellow- 

 ish dry-rot or the usual flinty consistency of a naturally pruned 

 branch has given way to a loosened condition of its annual rings. 

 This may be taken to indicate an initial stage of the rot only at this 

 point, however, for the heartwood of the tree may be entirelj'' decayed, 

 due to the fungus having entered at another point. Knocking off 



Fig. 5.— Sale area alter logging (private logging operations), showing defective hemlocks left standing, 

 waste of valuable material and a menace to the surrounding forest. Note the "conks" on the trunks. 



a few dead branches with an ax does not require much time and is a 

 very good method to use in such a case. 



In general, individual trees growing under suppressed conditions 

 or a type developing in a close stand can be expected to disclose a 

 large amount of decay, especially when growing on moist river- 

 bottom sites. The slope type of stand must be judged more care- 

 fully, and it is often the case that in vigorous stands an infected tree 

 will yield the first two logs sound while the upper portion of the trunk 

 will be in the last stages of decay. Under such conditions sounding 

 by blows will not be found practicable, but the presence high on the 

 trunk of many branch stubs, dead branches, and sporophores will 



