THE HONEY FUNGUS 167 
fungal colony, and where the fungus is widespread it may 
be impossible. 
Where the fungus occurs only in one or two isolated 
patches, it is also worth while to destroy the toadstools. 
This is most easily accomplished with a scythe or sickle, 
with which the pilei can be cut off, after which they will 
soon die. But the process has to be repeated frequently, 
as fresh toadstools will come up through the autumn. Of 
course this precaution does not replace grubbing and 
ditching, and does not prevent the further expansion of the 
patch. Its purpose is solely to discourage the formation of 
new colonies, which would otherwise be initiated by the 
spores blowing on to dead stumps in other parts of the 
wood. 
