174 
TREES AS GOOD CITIZENS 
The fungous growths which are most conspicuous are 
those seen in the form of shelves or brackets on the trunks 
and limbs of trees. These outward signs of attack do not 
show themselves until the growths have taken deep root 
in the interior, and their appearance is a sign that the 
damage has already made serious progress. 
Prevention of fungous growths is easier and more 
effective than subsequent treatment. In most cases the 
attacks have their starting points in wounds or scars. 
Without these wounds to furnish a place of lodgment, the 
spores could rarely gain foothold. Recognition of this 
emphasizes the importance of preventing injuries, as far 
as this may be possible, and the necessity for giving 
prompt healing and protective treatment to all wounds 
which may occur, in spite of precautionary measures 
which may have been taken. The development of injuries 
to bark or wood is akin to the progress of decay in a tooth. 
If immediate attention is given, decay is stopped. If 
treatment is neglected, a slight injury may develop into 
a serious and constantly growing cavity, with grave 
consequences. 
Fungous growths on trunk and limbs are of many 
varieties, but they have the same general characteristics 
as to origin, and call for the same action as to treatment. 
Some of the common fungous growths are known in a 
general way as heart-rots. These assume several forms 
and attack the heartwood of many trees such as the Beech, 
Aspen, Maple, Birch, Walnut, Oak, Hickory, Alder, Ash, 
Poplar and others. The Oak, Ash and Maple heart-rots 
so-called, are common on other kinds as well, so these 
names are not distinctive and are not generally recognized 
in connection with specific fungi. Likewise red heart-rot 
and white heart-rot are not used specifically for any fungus 
and are often misleading. 
