THE DECAY OF TIES

&. &, HUMPHREY

American Woed-Preservers’ Association

New York
State College of Agriculture

At Cornell University
Sthara, N.Y.

Library

A /

DEPARTMENT OF FORESTRY
N.Y, STATE COLLEGE OF AGWILULTURE
CORNELL UNIVERSITY, ITHACA, N.Y,

Cornell University Library
| TF 254.H8

IN TN
3 1924 003 628 512 SC,

Cornell University

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The original of this book is in
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There are no known copyright restrictions in
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http://www.archive.org/details/cu31924003628512

The Decay of Ties in Storage

By C. J. HUMPHREY, Pathologist
BuRrREAU OF PLant INDUSTRY

Mapison, WISCONSIN

Prepared in co-operation with the

Unitep States Forest Propucts LAaBoraToRY
Mapison, WIsconsIN

Published by the

AMERICAN Woop-PRESERVERS ASSOCIATION
Mt. Royal Station, Baltimore, Md.

CoPYRIGHTED, 1920
BY THE
AMERICAN WOOD-PRESERVERS’ ASSOCIATION

THE DECAY OF TIES IN STORAGE*
By C. J. Humphrey
Pathologist, Bureau of Plant Industry, in Co-operation with the Forest
Products Laboratory, Madison, Wisconsin. |

The present paper was prepared at the request of your association
for an article dealing in as simple terms as possible with the more
common fungi which attack ties in storage. As the fungi concerned
in the decay of such timbers vary to a considerable extent with the
region and also the kinds, of wood under consideration, a paper cover-
ing the situation in any comprehensive manner would necessarily be
quite extensive, and would involve a careful study over the entire coun-
try. For this reason it was ‘considered advisable by the writer to limit
the discussion to those fungi commonly found on hardwood and pine
ties throughout the centralf United States.

Several tie yards at Metropolis and Joppa, Ill. were selected as
representative of this region. Ties are concentrated at these points in
large numbers, coming in by rail or water from a wide tributary area.
Upon arrival these ties are sorted and air seasoned and the obviously
defective ones culled. These culls, running up into the hundreds of
thousands, offered a very favorable field for study, as a large propor-
tion had been culled for decay, much of which had developed before
the ties reached the yards.

In the production of ties it is customary to yard them first locally
near the point of cutting. Since many are rafted they are preferably
yarded near the rivers, from which they can be reached at high water.
Storage conditions at these local concentration points are usually very
poor, and no particular care is taken to safeguard the stock from decay,
hence many ties have to be rejected at these points by the buyers. Many
others, however, find their way to the permanent yards, and when in-
fected with fungi continue to deteriorate until fully air dried. It is
only within comparatively recent years that the producers have even
considered the use of many timber species known to be very susceptible
to rot. At the present time, however, almost all species known to the
local flora are acceptable if they otherwise conform to specifications.
This has led to serious loss from decay, much of which is preventable.

In order to present the broader aspects of decay control I will
digress at this point to indicate the fundamental factors involved in

*Acknowledgments. My thanks are due to Dr. C. L. Shear. Bureau of
Plant Industry, Washington, D. C., for determination of the species of Hypoxylon,
Daldinia, Hypocrea and Lasiosphaeria; to Dr. E. M. Gilbert, University of Wis-
consin, for identification of Exidia glandulosa; and to Jennie M. Pitman, University
of Wisconsin, for the coloring of the pfates herein included. I wish also to express

my appreciation to A. R. Joyce and others at Metropolis, Ill., for their many
courtesies and assistance which made the study possible.

7 Since the paper was originally prepared I have received request for another
plate covering a few additional fungi most likely to be found on ties in ,the
northern United States. Plate VIII has been included for this reason. Many of
the fungi recorded for the more southern region, however, will likewise be found
in the north,

3

4 Tue Decay or TIES IN STORAGE

the development and spread of wood-destroying fungi, to which we
attribute all the primary decays with which we are concerned.

What Are Fungi?

Fungi are plants, just as much as trees, shrubs and herbs. They
merely differ in their form, lack of green coloring matter, and methods
of nutrition. A tree gets its nutriment from the soil and air through
its root system and leaves; the fungus derives its nutriment from the
substrate upon which it grows, namely, wood or other vegetable matter.

In the life cycle of wood-inhabiting fungi we recognize two essen-
tial stages in development: (1) The mycelium (vegetative stage), which
consists of fine, cotton-like branched threads which penetrate the wood
and may also develop on the surface if the surrounding air be moist;
(2) the fruiting stage, which produces spores at the surface of the
timber. These spores may be found directly on the exposed mycelium,
as in the case of “molds,” but more often they are produced on definite
fruit-bodies which are nothing more than mycelium compacted into
characteristic shapes representative of different fungi.

Many fungi are wood inhabiting, but these may not all necessarily
be wood destroying. For practical purposes it is, therefore, necessary
to discriminate between two broad groups, namely, molds or stains and
wood destroyers.

Mycelium

The mycelium is the stage which penetrates the wood. It is the
absorbing system of the fungus and in function is comparable to the
root system of ordinary green plants. In the case of “molds” and
“blue stains,” it mainly enters the ducts or pith rays of the wood where
it feeds on the starches, sugars and other easily digested organic com-
pounds. In the case of these fungi it may also pass through the pits
in the walls of the wood fibers, but rarely bores through the solid
wood substance. For this reason the molds and blue stain do not affect
the strength of the timber to any appreciable degree.

The mycelium of both wood destroyers and molds is in many cases
colorless and rather fine when growing within the wood; that of the
blue stain is brown and usually coarse. The main difference between
the mycelium of wood destroyers, molds and blue stain, however, is
its action on the wood fiber, the wood destroyers having the capacity
to attack and disintegrate the wood substance itself while the molds
and blue stain act only on the starches, sugars and other organic sub-
stances stored in the pith rays and ducts.

The chemistry of wood is rather complex, but the main constituents
of the wood substance itself are cellulose and ligno-cellulose (often
termed lignin), and any fungi which have the ability to feed on these
substances are necessarily wood destroying. These compounds, as
well as others in the wood, are acted on by specific ferments (enzymes)

AMERICAN Woop-PRESERVERS’ ASSOCIATION 5

which change them to simpler organic substances which can be absorbed
by the fungus as food for its own growth.
Fruiting Stage

In order to propagate itself successfully every fungus must have
a fruiting or spore-bearing stage. Spores are very minute bodies which
in the case of molds are borne directly on the surface of superficial
mycelium, and in the case of the blue stain fungi also in minute, black,
flask-shaped fruit-bodies which appear as stiff bristles on the surface
of the wood. The wood-destroying fungi, however, have conspicuous
fruit-bodies whose shape, color and texture are quite characteristic for
the different fungi. The spores are borne on or within these definite
fruit-bodies.

Spores are entirely comparable in function to seeds. They are
microscopic in size, extremely light, and appear in mass as a very fine
powder, very often white, but the color may vary widely for the
different fungi. Very often the spores from a single fruit body of
the wood-destroying fungi will run up into the billions, most of them
being capable under the right conditions of germinating to produce a
new plant. With such an abundance of spores blowing about in the
air and settling on new timber, it is seen that the chances for infection
are very great, providing the conditions for their germination are
favorable. The most important factor here concerned is moisture,
both in the wood and in the atmosphere. The most active period for
the casting of spores from the fruit bodies is during moist weather,
which in turn is most favorable for germination and subsequent in-
fection.

Conditions Necessary for the Growth of Fungi

The conditions necessary for the growth of fungi are: (1) The
presence of an adequate food supply; (2) sufficient moisture; (3) at
least a small amount of air; (4) a suitable temperature.

Food. This is furnished by the wood tissues and the more easily
these tissues are attacked the more readily will the wood disintegrate.
The sapwood of all the species of the region under consideration is
non-resistant to fungus attack. The heartwood of the different woods,
however, varies widely in this respect. The white oaks are highly
resistant, as is also good red gum, while such species as beech, red
oaks, medium grade yellow pine, hard maple and birch offer less
resistance, and hackberry, elms, tupelo gum, cotton-woods, soft maple
and low grade pines are easily rotted.

Moisture. A suitable amount of moisture is, without doubt, the
most important factor in decay. The different fungi, however, appear
to vary somewhat as to their water requirements. For infection and
incipient decay a comparatively high moisture content of the wood
and the surrounding air is highly favorable for all. After infection
has once taken place, however, and the fungus has become established

6 Tue Decay or TiES IN STORAGE

in the wood, the rate of decay may vary considerably with different
organisms, depending on the amount of moisture present. For in-
stance, there are many fungi which thrive only under humid forest
conditions and will not develop on partially seasoned timber in storage,
while others can tolerate a considerable amount of drying and still
continue to decay the wood. It is safe to say that most of the fungi
which rot structural timbers are quite resistant to drying when once
established in the wood.

The term “dry rot” should not be used indiscriminately, as is
rapidly becoming the case among laymen. While the writer thinks
the designation should be retained, it should be limited in its scope
so as to apply only to the decay produced by Merulius lachrymans and
its close relatives, which are mainly of economic importance in con-
nection with the decay of timbers in buildings. Even in this case the
term is more or less of a misnomer, as these organisms always start
under moist conditions. They have the capacity, however, of develop-
ing porous water-conducting strands which may spread from the
moister portions of a building to dry timbers, whose decay is furthered
by the moisture which the fungus carries.

Air. A certain amount of air in the wood is absolutely necessary
for decay to take place. The fungi require it in their growth. When
wood is saturated the air in the wood cells is displaced by water and
fungus growth is impossible.

The opinion widely prevalent among laymen that alternate wetting
and drying is necessary for decay has developed through observation
of the way wood decays in exposed situations. For instance, take the
case of an infected railway tie partly embedded in soil. During a
very dry season there may not be sufficient moisture in the wood
to permit decay, and the fungus will remain dormant. On the advent
of rains, if only sufficient moisture falls to put the tie in good moisture
condition, it begins to rot rapidly again and will continue to do so as
long as the moisture and temperature are favorable. If, on the other
hand, the rainy period is long continued, the tie may become saturated
and decay will be retarded again until the stick dries out sufficiently
to admit the necessary amount of air. Thus, in the alternation of
wet and dry conditions, there occurs at some point intermediate between
the dry and wet ranges a condition at which decay is at its maximum.
If the moisture were held at this optimum point it can readily be seen
that the stick would decay much more quickly than under the alternat-
ing conditions. Therefore it is only under fluctuating climatic condi-
tions that alternation becomes of advantage.

Temperature. In general, the fungi under consideration grow best
between 75 degrees and 90 degrees F. They will all grow at much
lower temperatures, but much more slowly. The most severe winter
conditions do not kill them. They merely cease growth and remain in

AMERICAN Woop-PRESERVERS’ ASSOCIATION "4

a dormant condition. On the other hand, a rise of temperature of but
a few degrees above the optimum has a greater influence on growth
than a corresponding reduction. The practical purposes, however, we
may say that nature so regulates temperature conditions that for the
region under consideration the fungi find a very favorable environment
over a considerable portion of the year.

Control of Decay in Stored Ties

With the foregoing considerations in mind relative to present
commercial practices as coupled up with the fundamental conditions
necessary for decay, it is seen that relief can only be secured by
changing commercial practice as far as possible so as to eliminate
infection and put the timber in a moisture condition unfavorable for
subsequent decay.

Winter Cutting and Barking. The advantages in winter cutting
lie in the fact that at this season both temperature and humidity are
much less favorable for infection. It is true that air seasoning will
be much slower at this season, but this can be increased by removal
of the bark, which is also of advantage in controlling insect depreda-
tions. Slower seasoning is of particular value from a pathological
standpoint, as it decreases the number and size of season checks which
collect and retain moisture and thus offer favorable points for infection.

Proper Piling in Woods. At points of production ties should
never be piled directly on the ground or allowed to lie about singly
on the ground for more than a few days at most. Forest soil is full of
living fungus, and being moist, infection is quickly carried over to
timber in contact with it. In piling or yarding ties they should be
placed on foundations well off the ground and amply ventilated beneath,
the ties being spaced so as to allow as much ventilation as possible
without undue checking. This preliminary seasoning in the woods is
of very great importance, as apparently a large amount of subsequent
decay is to be attributed to infection in the woods.

Transport of Ties. With partially seasoned ties rail transport
would appear preferable to rafting from a pathological standpoint,
but perhaps not from a practical, for every time a tie is wet it is put
in a good condition for infection. The writer, however, does not wish
to lay too much stress upon this point, as proper yarding and piling
at destination will normally take care of the situation.

Yarding Ties at Destination. Inasmuch as ties may be stored for
sometimes more than a year at terminal yards, careful attention must
be given to piling them, particularly when they are rafted. Since many
of the yards are on comparatively low ground, the first care must be
given to drainage so that all rainfall or ground water may be im-
mediately removed by seepage. A slag or cinder covering to a depth
of 6 to 12 inches makes a very good surface which keeps the weeds
down and allows rapid run off.

8 Tue Decay or TiEs IN STORAGE

The next attention should be given to foundations. The usual
practice is to use two parallel rows of cull ties. In some yards ties
of durable woods like white oak or chestnut are employed, but there is
a tendency to use almost any sort of rejects or even pole timbers.
Very often on soft ground these low foundations are pressed into the
soil, so that the piles rest practically on the ground. The use of non-
durable timbers with a large percentage of sapwood is, likewise, a
highly objectionable feature. If it is necessary to use such material,
the pieces should be given a pressure treatment with creosote or zinc.
For permanent yards the use of concrete, preferably in the form of
piers carrying treated or naturally durable stringers, would undoubtedly
prove an economy in the long run. Such a foundation allows ventila-
tion from the sides as well as the ends. The use of open, well ven-
tilated, durable foundations cannot be emphasized too strongly, as
infection may otherwise pass readily from the soil through the founda-
tion timbers into the base of the piles.

The piling should also be as open as consistent with the checking
of the timbers handled. With particularly perishable timbers the con-
tact points should be reduced as much as possible.

In addition to the above, the yards should be kept absolutely free
of vegetation and rotten or infected wood. Unless the yards are kept
scrupulously clean of decayed wood, which can be of no possible use
except for fuel, the other precautions taken will be in large part nul-
lified. In handling the whole situation we must begin at the source
and very obviously we must strike first at infections. The production
of fruiting-bodies bearing the innumerable spores.must be kept down.
It is of no permanent value to remove and destroy these fruiting-bodies
and leave the infected stick, for new crops will soon form again.

The fire hazard is also another feature to be seriously considered,
for it is a well-known fact that rotten or punky wood will ignite
very readily from a spark, follow into the sound stick and smolder for
a considerable time ready to break out into flame when the wood
becomes sufficiently dry and is fanned by a good breeze.

What Fungi Shall the Inspector Discriminate Against?

As previously indicated, this paper discusses mainly the more
common fungi found on stored ties in the region investigated. Many
of these, however, will be found over the entire country. In preparing
this part of the article, many thousand cull ties of various kinds of
wood, but largely the more perishable, were looked over at Metropolis,
Ill, and representative samples bearing identifiable fruit-bodies were
cut from the ends and shipped to the Forest Pathology Laboratory
at Madison, Wis., for photographing and further investigation of the
extent and seriousness of the associated rot. After photographing the
end of the tie bearing the fungus, a 3-inch disc, wherever possible, was
cut off to show end penetration of the rot. The cut surface was

AMERICAN Woob-PRESERVERS’ ASSOCIATION 9

smoothed with sandpaper and also photographed, and this section was
then sawed through with the grain beneath the sporophores to show
the longitudinal configuration of the infected or decayed area. About
125 photographs were thus made.

Very few fungi were found on white oaks, these being limited
to four common species, mainly confined to the sapwood. At least
nine species were found on red oaks, but here the difference in
resistance between the heart and sapwood is not particularly marked,
although the sap is often attacked first. Of the other hardwoods, red or
sweet gum which was low grade heart or high in sapwood harbored at
least four species of wood destroyers and was especially susceptible to
stains. Beech was particularly attacked by the “button fungi” (Hypory-
lon) and the “jelly fungus” (E-xidia glandulosa). Pines were mainly
infected with three fungi, only one of which, the brown fungus, Lenzites
sepiaria, causes serious decay.

For the benefit of the inspector the fungi here reported may be
thrown into three classes, of which only the first group need give
serious concern.

Group I—Funet WuicH Attack Woop SEVERELY
Conifers (Pines, Hemlock, Tamarack, Etc.)

Fomes roseus. Lenzites sepiaria.
Lentinus lepideus. Polystictus abietinus.
Hardwoods
Daedalea confragosa. Lenzites trabea.
Daldinia concentrica. Panus stipticus.
Exidia glandulosa. Pholiota adiposa.
Gloeoporus conchoides. Polystictus pargamenus.
Hydnum erinaceum. Polystictus versicolor.
Hypoxylon cohaerens. Stereum fasciatum.
Hypoxylon coccineum. Stereum rameale.
Lenzites betulina. Trametes sepium.

Group II—Funer Wuicu Attack Woop Stowty anp Neep Not
ORDINARILY BE DISCRIMINATED AGAINST

Hardwoods
Hypocrea citrina. Schizophyllum commune.
Group I]I—Funer Wuicu Neep Nor Be DiscrrminatTep AGAINST
° Conifers
Blue-stain (Ceratostomella spp.). Schizophyllum commune.
Peniophora gigantea.
Hardwoods

Blue-stain (Ceratostomella spp.).
Olive-black mold (Lasiosphaeria pezizula).

In order to identify these fungi the following key, based on the
principal and more conspicuous characters, will be found useful. Fol-
lowing this the fungi are briefly described and information given as
to their prevalence, distribution and species of timber attacked.

10 Tue Decay or TIES IN STORAGE

Key to the Fungi Described in the Present Paper

A. Fruiting-bodies provided with gills on the lower surface.

1, Plants of the mushroom type with cap and central stem: ;

a. Fruiting-bodies fleshy-fibrous, yellowish; upper surface sticky when
moist and covered with brownish scales; on hardwoods. Pholiota
adiposa.

b. Fruiting-bodies tough, fleshy-fibrous, white; upper surface of cap
covered with brown scales. Lentinus lepideus.

2. Plants with only a short lateral stem: | = F
a. Fruiting-bodies small, tough, flexible, grayish to tan colored; gills

not split at edge; on hardwoods. Panus stipticus.

3. Plants without a stem: F :
a. Fruiting-bodies small, thin, white, tough and leathery when moist;

gills split longitudinally at edge and_halves rolled back; on hard-
woods, pines and other conifers. Schizophyllum commune.

b. Fruiting-bodies medium large, shelving, corky, flexible when moist;
buff to clay colored or light brown; often concentrically zoned
above; on hardwoods. Lensites betulina.

c. Fruiting-bodies corky, flexible, medium sized, and russet to dark
brown in color; upper surface usually velvety to hairy; on conifers
only. Lenzites sepiaria.

d, Fruiting-bodies as above but near to cinnamon brown; upper surface
usually not velvety; on hardwoods. Lenzites trabea.

B. Fruiting-bodies with pores on the lower surface.

1. Plants shelving, densely clustered, thin, tough and flexible when moist;
upper surface concentrically banded with shades of buff, brown or blue;
under surface white; pores small and shallow; on hardwoods. Poly-
stictus versicolor.

2. Plants as above but usually more loosely clustered; upper surface white,
hairy; under surface violet in young specimens, becoming brown in
older; pores break up into flattened teeth in age; on conifers. Poly-
stictus abietinus.

3. Plants as above; upper surface velvety, whitish to creamy or buff in
young specimens, becoming concentrically banded and gray behind in
age, and losing velvety covering in part; under surface violet in young
specimens, becoming brown. Plant splits radially and becomes lacerate
at the margin as it matures and weathers; pores break up into flattened
teeth in age; on hardwoods. Polystictus pargamenus.

4. Plants as above but usually smaller and frequently. running together where
attached to surface of wood; under surface brownish-drab with pores
visible to unaided eye; in fresh specimens pore layer stretches like rub-
ber when fruiting-body is torn apart; on hardwoods. Gloeoporus con-
choides.

5. Plants corky, flexible, medium sized, near to cinnamon brown; upper sur-
face usually not velvety; under surface either with gills or radially
elongate pores. Lenzites trabea.

6. Plants tough-fibrous to corky, usually joining at the sides to form long
fruit bodies which are shelving, thick where attached to wood an
project out usually less than half an inch; white when fresh, becoming
pale buff in drying; pores large. easily seen by unaided eye; usually on
oaks or chestnut. Trametes sepium.

7. Plants large, shelving, tough, rigid when dry, 3 to 6 inches across and
Y% to 34 inch thick, light brown; upper surface often rough to the
touch; pores radially elongate or sinuous, easily visible to unaided eye;
mainly on willow. Daedalea confragosa.

8. Plants shelving, tough, corky, becoming woody; pinkish to rosy through-
out. Fomes roseus. .

C. Fruiting-bodies provided with distinct teeth* which project downward.

1. Plant white, fleshy, succulent, more or less globose; usually on oak.

_Aydnum erinaceum.

D. Fruiting-bodies smooth (without gills, pores or teeth) beneath when shelving,
or on outer exposed surface when spread out flat on the wood:

1. Plants shelving, arranged one above the other:

a. Fruiting-bodies thin, flexible; upper surface clay colored to slate
colored; lower surface light brown; on hardwoods. Stereum
fasciatum,

b. Fruiting-bodies as above but usually much smaller; lower surface

orange-yellow; upper surface paler; on hardwoods. Stereum
rameale. :

* Polystictus pargamenus and Polystictus abictinus also have flatten
‘ s ed tooth-
like plates, due to the breaking up of the walls of the pores in age.

AMERICAN Woop-PRESERVERS’ ASSOCIATION 11

2. Plants thin, spread out flat on surface of wood, not shelving:

a. Fruiting-bodies watery-white to creamy or smoky gray, forming a
somewhat cartilaginous membrane which dries to a brittle crust
and is easily separable from the wood; mycelial stage very abun-
dant as a fluffy-white growth of coarse matted threads; on conifers
(pines, etc.) only. Peniophora gigantea.

b. Fruiting-bodies bright yellow, resembling paint; on hardwoods.
Hypocrea citrina.

E. Fruiting-bodies in the form of smooth, or almost smooth, more or less globose
“buttons.”

1. Buttons small, numerous, black when mature, but covered with a clay
colored ‘‘bloom’ when young; on beech. Hypoxylon cohaerens.

2, Buttons somewhat larger, up to 1% inch in diameter, reddish-brown; on
beech. Hypoxylon coccineum.

3. Buttons large, up to one or two inches in diameter, black tinged with
olive green on the surface; charcoal-like and distinctly layered within;
on hardwoods. Daldinia concentrica.

F. Fruiting-bodies black, crumpled, jelly-like. spread over surface of wood; when
dry shrink to a thin, shiny, black, brittle membrane; on hardwoods. "Exidia
glandulosa.

G. Fruiting-bodies minute, usually requiring magnifying glass to see; occur on
surface of wood intermixed with mycelium.

1, Fruiting-bodies black, like stiff bristles with swollen base; mycelium
matted, dark brownish to black; fungus produces blue discoloration in
sapwood of both hardwoods and conifers, particularly red gum and
pines. Dine Siete (Cerniostonieila: S00.) un... sa van meee e eae aes

2. Fruiting-bodies minute, scattered, depressed globose seated on a compact
olive brown to blackish felt-like mycelium growing over surface of
wood; to casual observer looks like olive-black stain on the ends of ties;
produces a bluish-black stain in the wood which does not extend far in.
Olive black mold (Lasiosphaeria pesizula.)

Brief Description of the Fungi Reported in the Present Paper

In identifying the fungi found on structural timbers it should be
kept in mind that the fruiting-bodies are very often small and abnormal
or immature, making their determination correspondingly difficult.
Each fungus, however, usually has sufficient well-marked characters so
that even though the form and size be changed, other satisfactory clues
remain to guide us. The present article cannot hope to cover the
situation in more than a cursory fashion, but even the little offered may
prove of some assistance, at least by stimulating an interest in the
subject. Undoubtedly many more species than those recorded for
the regions under consideration will turn up as the number of observers
increase, and these will prove more or less confusing, as there is always
a tendency in this kind of work to tie up the unknown with the known.
In cases of doubt the services of an expert should be sought if the
specimens, after careful comparison with the illustrations and descrip-
tions herein given, fail to tally in the essential characters.

Puo iota ADIPOSA
(Plate VII, Figs. 2 and 6)

This is a moderately large, fleshy fungus of the mushroom type
with an expanded cap and a more or less central stem. The cap is
usually convex, sticky when fresh or moist, and covered with scattered
brownish scales. The gills or plates on the underside of the cap are
yellow at first but soon become brown, due to the abundance of rusty
colored spores which are produced on their surfaces. The stem is
rather thick, yellowish, and scaly over the lower portion. It is usually

12 Tue Decay or TIES IN STORAGE

curved, as the cap must always orient itself so that it is horizontal,
with the gills pointing downward.

The fungus grows in clusters and was noted several times on
beech and red oak ties, growing from the heartwood, which was ap-
parently rotted in the standing tree. It is not serious in storage yards
since, as a rule, such heart-rotted ties are culled in the woods.

LentTINus LEPIDEUS
(Plate VIII, Fig. 2)

This is one of the large mushrooms which mainly grows on timber
in contact with the ground. It is tough, fleshy-fibrous, with a central
scaly stem and is white throughout, except that the cap is covered with
brownish scales. It occurs abundantly over the United States, appear-
ing especially prevalent in regions with sandy soil, where it frequently
grows out of ties or other structural timbers at or near the ground
line. In the dark it produces sterile “stag-horn” growths.

It is limited to coniferous wood, where it rots both heart and sap-
wood of many species vigorously.

PANuS STIPTICUS
(Plate VII, Fig. 4)

This is one of the smaller gill fungi. It usually grows in dense
clusters and rarely projects out more than half an inch from the
surface of the wood. It is of a grayish to tan color, somewhat scurfy
on the upper surface, and is thin and flexible, with a short lateral stem.
Like nearly all the leathery or corky species, it can revive repeatedly
after periods of drying and form new crops of spores.

It is not very prevalent on stored ties, and was only found produc-
ing a sap-rot in red oak.

ScuizopHyLtuM CoMMUNE
(Plate VI, Figs. 5-10)

This is a very characteristic fungus with which there is no danger
of confusing any other. It may grow on almost any kind of wood, and
is abundant on conifers as well as hardwoods. It grows in the form
of small shelves, usually not projecting out more than an inch. The
fruit-bodies are often more or less wedge-shaped or fan-shaped, taper-
ing to a narrow point of attachment. They are thin and flexible, like
soft leather when moist, white or grayish tinged, densely clothed with
short hairs above and provided with distinct radiating gills beneath,
which may vary from a buff to pale slate gray in color. These gills
are very characteristic, being split longitudinally along the edge, the
halves curling back like a slit dandelion stem.

The spores of the fungus readily enter season checks and produce
a crop of fruit-bodies in a very short time. In two samples of persim-
mon ties collected the fungus was associated with a marked bleaching
of the dark wood and in certain areas a marked softening and disin-
tegration of the substance, indicating that the fungus is apparently

AMERICAN Woopb-PRESERVERS’ ASSOCIATION 13

wood destroying but quite slow in its action. The above mentioned
ties had been in storage several years. New pine ties bearing an
abundance of the fruiting-bodies showed no perceptible effect on the
fiber.

In the opinion of the writer the fungus need not be discriminated
against, as the rot will not develop to any serious extent within normal
periods of storage.

Lenzites BETULINA
(Plate IH, Fig. 3; Plate IV, Figs. 5 and 6)

This is one of the corky, flexible, shelving species which project
out one to three inches. The individual fruiting-bodies are borne one
above the other, often in large, conspicuous clusters. The upper surface
is velvety to the touch, usually clay colored to light brown, and often
concentrically banded with yellow or orange shades. The young plants
and growing margins are usually buff colored. The under surface con-
sists of coarse gills radiating out to the margin. These are whitish
to light buff in color.

This fungus occurs in all parts of the United States, and is likely
to attack almost any hardwood. In the less durable woods, such as
red oak, red gum, etc., it produces a marked uniform bleaching and
rot of the heart as well as the sap. The fungus is a rapid grower
and very destructive.

LENzITES SEPIARIA
(Plate I, Fig. 4; Plate V, Figs. 1 and 2)

Lensites sepiaria is a shelving, tough, flexible fungus varying from
russet to dark brown above and paler beneath. The upper surface is
usually densely clothed with hairs, but in age these may be more or
less weathered away. The underside consists of plates or gills radiating
out from the point of attachment.

This fungus is widespread and common on coniferous timber over
the entire United States. There are several closely related species in
different parts of the country, but they are all brown and attack wood
severely. One species (Lenzites trabea) rots hardwoods, but the others
all grow on conifers.

LENZITES TRABEA
(Plate VIII, Fig. 5)

This fungus is closely related to Lenzites sepiaria, but principally
rots hardwood timber. It is moderately thin and shelving, and often
loosely clustered. It differs from Lenzites sepiaria in being more of
a cinnamon brown than sepia or dark brown, in the upper surface
being usually devoid of a velvety covering, and in the underside being
provided with gills which are closer together and which frequently
join laterally (anastomose) to form elongate pores.

14 Tue Decay or Tres IN STORAGE

Lenzites trabea is widely distributed over the United States, and
is almost always found on hardwoods, of which it attacks a con-
siderable number, among which oaks, gums, cottonwoods and willows
deserve particular mention.

PoLysTIcTus VERSICOLOR
(Plate I, Fig. 2; Plate IV, Figs. 7-9) -

This is perhaps the most common fungus one meets with on hard-
wood timber. The fruit-bodies are thin, shelving and densely clustered
one above the other. They are tough, leathery and flexible when moist,
but more or less rigid when dry. The upper surface is beautifully
banded concentrically with various shades of brown, blue or buff from
which character the fungus takes it name, and is densely covered with
short hairs, and hence velvety to the touch. The under surface is
white with small, shallow pores scarcely visible to the unaided eye.
This fungus attacks almost all species of hardwood timber and is very
vigorous in its action, producing a white rot.

PoLysticrus ABIETINUS
(Plate VIII, Fig. 1)

This is a thin, flexible fungus usually growing in loose clusters.
The fruit-bodies on structural timber rarely extend out more than an
inch, usually less. They are white and hairy on the upper surface and
usually violet on the lower when young, becoming brownish in age.
The pores in this species break up at an early stage of growth into
flattened, irregular teeth, but there almost always remain shallow pores
at the margin.

The fungus is widely distributed over the entire United States,
and is limited to conifers, where it produces principally a sap-rot.

PoLysticrus PARGAMENUS
(Plate VIII, Fig. 3)

This fungus is found abundantly on hardwoods over practically
the entire country. Its closest relative is Polystictus abietinus, which,
however, grows only on conifers. The fruiting-bodies are shelving,
clustered and thin. They are somewhat larger and coarser than
Polystictus abietinus, but rarely project out on structural timber more
than 1% to 2 inches. In young specimens the upper surface is velvety
and whitish to creamy or buff; in older specimens it frequently becomes
concentrically banded and gray behind, losing much of its velvety cover-
ing. The under surface in young specimens is violet, which changes to
brown in older specimens. The pores readily split into irregular flat
teeth as the plant ages.

In hardwoods having a well differentiated heart it produces mainly
a sap-rot, but in other species the heart may be decayed as well.

AMERICAN \WoobD-PRESERVERS’ ASSOCIATION 15

GLOEOPORUS CONCHOIDES
(Plate Vii, Fig. 5)

The fruiting-bodies of this fungus are shelving, loosely arranged
one above the other and usually run together where attached to the
surface of the wood. On ties they rarely extend out more than % to
3% inch. The upper surface is light buff. The under surface is brownish-
drab and provided with minute pores which require a hand lens to
see. The species may easily be identified by the fact that the pore
layer in fresh specimens, or in old specimens which have been moistened,
stretches like a thin sheet of rubber when the fruiting-body is torn
apart.

This fungus was noted several times, particularly on red oak, where
it may rot both heart and sapwood. It has a wide distribution over
the United States, principally on hardwoods.

TRAMETES SEPIUM
(Plate VII, Fig. 1)

Fresh plants of this species are small, white, tough and firm, and
project out from the wood less than half an inch. They are shelving
and often elongated. As they dry they become pale buff and rather
hard. The under surface bears large pores easily visible to the un-
aided eye.

The fungus is widely distributed on hardwoods, but mainly on
white and red oaks and chestnut. It produces a brownish rot so severe
that the wood readily crumbles between the fingers.

DAEDALEA CONFRAGOSA
(Plate VII, Fig. 7)

This fungus is a rigid shelving species which may be 5 to 6 inches
across and projects out 2 to 3 inches. It is usually % to 34 inch thick
where attached to the surface of the wood. The upper surface is
brown, somewhat irregular, and rather rough to the touch. The lower
surface is nearly the same color and provided with radially elongate,
often sinuous, pores easily visible to the unaided eye.

The fungus is widely distributed over the United States, growing
mainly on willow, and being largely limited to this species is rarely
found in tie yards. It occurs most commonly on dead trees or on
living trees which have been injured. It causes a uniform bleaching
of the wood and a severe rot.

Fomes Roseus
(Plate VIII, Fig. 4)
This fungus is one of the larger fungi of the shelving type. The
annual form is corky when fresh, but firm when dry. It is pinkish to
rosy throughout, and for this reason easily distinguished. Old speci-

16 Tue Decay or Ties IN STORAGE

mens may become black on the surface, but when broken open these
usually show pinkish. The perennial forms may be hoof-shaped and
consist of several annual layers of growth, but this type of fruit-bodies
is much less common than the one illustrated. The pores are small
but are visible to the unaided eye. This fungus is for the most part
met with in the northern and western United States, where it rots
coniferous ties of various species.

Hypnum ERINACEUM
(Plate VII, Fig. 3)

This is a beautiful, white, fleshy fungus which has distinct teeth
more or less cylindrical in section and tapering to an acute point.
These teeth are long and conspicuous and bear the spores on their
surfaces. The fungus is succulent and fleshy and more or less globose.
It turns yellowish and shrinks markedly in drying. It was found a
number of times on red oak and beech ties, always growing from the
decayed heart at the ends. These ties were cut from trees already
heart rotted in the forest, hence the rot is not of particular importance
in the storage yards.

STEREUM FascIATUM
(Plate III, Fig. 3; Plate IV, Fig. 4)

The fruiting-bodies of this species are thin, shelving, arranged one
above the other, and may project out up to 1% inches. The upper
surface is clay colored and somewhat velvety in young specimens,
becoming grayish to slate colored as the fungus matures. The under
surface is light brown (avellaneous) and smooth, i. c., without pores,
gills or teeth.

The fungus is widespread in the United States, but most abundant
east of the Rockies. In the Gulf and South Atlantic States it is largely
replaced by a similar appearing fungus, Stereum lobatum. It is partial
to white and red oaks, but is known also to attack many other hard-
woods. In the white oaks it mainly rots the sapwood, but with the
red oaks and other of the less durable woods the heart is also decayed.

STEREUM RAMEALE
(Plate I, Fig. 1; Plate V, Figs. 3 and 4)

This is one of the thin, tough, flexible species which produces a
large number of small, shelving, confluent fruit-bodies, smooth on the
under surface, and arranged one above the other in clusters. These
fruit-bodies rarely project out from the surface more than half an
inch, usually less on stored ties. They are a beautiful yellowish-
orange on the under surface, especially when wet, and somewhat paler
on the upper surface, which is distinctly hairy. The fungus attacks
many different hardwoods, such as red gum, red oak, etc., and is very
common throughout the United States.

AMERICAN Woob-PRESERVERS’ ASSOCIATION 17

PENIOPHORA GIGANTEA
(Plate I, Fig. 3; Plate IV, Figs. 1-3)

This fungus is usually most evident as a fluffy whitish mycelium
on the surface of the wood. On the ends of ties it forms radiating
streaks or ridges which consist of the mycelium intermixed with
exuding resin. The fungus is very often associated with blue stain.
When fruiting-bodies are formed they consist of smooth, flat, waxy
to subcartilaginous patches which are watery-white to creamy or
smoky gray in appearance. The margin is whitish and usually more
or less fluffy. As the plant dries it forms a brittle surface layer which
easily separates from the wood.

While the fungus is distributed over a large part of the United
States, it occurs in greatest abundance in the southern half east of
the Rockies. In the north it is introduced principally on infected pine.
Ties are usually abundantly infected before reaching destination. For-
tunately the fungus does not produce any appreciable rot in the sap-
wood which it attacks, although the mycelium penetrates to a con-
siderable extent. Hence the inspector need not discriminate against it.

Hypocrea CITRINA
(Plate II, Fig. 4; Plate VI. Figs. 3 and 4)

This is one of the fungi which grow flat on the surface of the
wood. It closely resembles a spot of yellow paint and forms a crust
about zs inch thick. The spores are borne in cavities just beneath the
surface of the fruit-body. It was noted several times, particularly on
beech. The wood beneath the fruit-bodies is markedly bleached, but
the tissues are not seriously disintegrated. In its action on the wood
it behaves a good deal like Schizophyllum commune and should thus
be classed with the slow-acting wood destroyers.

HypoxyLon COHAERENS
(Plate II, Fig. 1; Plate V, Figs. 5 and 7)

The fruiting-bodies of this fungus consist of more or less globose
buttons, usually not exceeding zs inch in diameter. In the young stages
these are no larger than a pin head and are often covered with a clay-
colored “bloom.” When mature they are black.

This fungus has a rather wide distribution in the United States, but
has never been reported as serious outside the central hardwood region,
where it is limited to beech. The sapwood is first attacked, but finally
the heartwood is invaded. The configuration of the rot is peculiar, as
the fungus attacks the wood in small, irregular “islands,” usually
radially elongate, which are bleached out and bounded by narrow brown
lines representing the sound wood. This gives an intricate tracery of
brown lines on a lighter background. In more advanced stages of the
rot the brown lines may disappear, giving a more or less uniform
bleached appearance to the wood. The rot is a serious one and should
be culled, as the infected areas show a marked softening and dis-
integration of the fiber.

18 Tue Decay or TiEs IN STORAGE

HypoxyLon CoccINEUM
(Plate II, Fig. 2; Plate V, Figs. 6 and 8)

The fruiting-bodies of this species are of the same type as the
preceding, but differ in being considerably larger, although not usually
exceeding 14 inch in diameter. They are reddish-brown in color but
may become somewhat blackened in age. The distribution is essen-
tially the same as for the preceding species, and the rot is quite similar.
The fungus is also limited to beech.

Datpinra CONCENTRICA
(Plate III, Fig. 2; Plate VI, Figs. 1 and 2)

This fungus appears as large more or less globular “buttons” up
to 1 or 2 inches in diameter. These are of the color and consistency
of charcoal within and blackish, tinged with olive green on the outside
surface, which is quite smooth. The spores are borne in a layer of
small cavities just beneath the crust and ooze out through minute
openings. A scant mycelium forms over the surface of the wood,
which, together with the dark brown spores which have collected around
the fruit-bodies, blacken it. The fungus was found on soft maple and
white elm ties, but is also known to attack various hardwoods in
different parts of the country. The rot is severe and ties bearing the
fungus should be culled.

Exm1a GLANDULOSA
(Plate III, Fig. 4; Plate V, Figs. 9-11)

This fungus is black and jelly-like. It grows spread out flat on
the surface of the wood. When developing on the ends of ties it often
follows the sapwood around in a ring, but it may also overgrow the
heartwood. When moist it is slimy to the touch with a much crumpled
outer surface, but when dry it shrinks to a very thin, shiny black
brittle membrane which shows no crumpling. The spores are white and
are borne on the exposed surface of the fruit-bodies.

This was one of the fungi commonly encountered on hardwoods,
mainly red gum and beech, in the region investigated. It is widely
distributed over the United States, but heretofore has not been re-
ported as causing serious decay in structural timbers. It should be
discriminated against, at least in the South, where it can apparently
decay the less durable woods in a comparatively short time.

Biue Stain (CERATOSTOMELLA Spe.)
(Plate VII, Figs. 8, 10 and 11)

This fungus frequently appears on the ends or surface of freshly
cut timbers of both conifers and hardwoods. In many cases the
mycelium is scanty, but in others it may form a luxuriant, matted
growth, at first whitish but soon becoming brownish-black. The fruit-
ing-bodies are seated either in this matted mycelium or directly on the

AMERICAN Woop-PRESERVERS’ ASSOCIATION 19

surface of the wood. They consist of minute, flask-shaped structures,
often with long, bristle-like necks which are visible to the unaided eye
as rigid, black, brittle hairs on the surface of the wood.

The most characteristic feature of these fungi, however, is the
grayish-blue discoloration produced. The stain may be quite uniform
over considerable areas, or it may be limited. It is caused by the pene-
tration of the mycelium into the sapwood mainly through the pith rays.
As the fungus lives mainly on the starches, sugars, etc., stored in the
pith rays, it does not affect the strength of the wood and hence is of
no economic importance in connection with tie timbers.

In the region investigated both pine and red gum are particularly
susceptible.

Ottve-Biack Motp (LastospHAERIA PEZIZULA)
(Plate III, Fig. 1; Plate VII, Fig. 9)

This fungus was frequently seen on the ends of red gum and
beech ties. It develops as a blackish mold-like growth which is dis-
tinctly tinged with olive green. The mycelium is compact, and upon
it are seated minute, depressed, spherical, brownish-black fruiting-bodies
much smaller than a pin head.

The mycelium penetrates the wood to a considerable extent. It
produces a bluish-black discoloration quite similar to the blue stain,
but does not appreciably attack the fiber, and hence need not be dis-
criminated against.

20

Fig.

Fig.

Fig.

Fig.

Tue Decay or TIES IN STORAGE

PLATE I

Stereum rameale growing on the end of a red
gum tie.

Polystictus versicolor on the side of a red gum
tie.

Peniophora gigantea on the side of a yellow
pine tie.

Lenzites sepiaria on the end of a yellow pine
tie lying on the ground.

AMERICAN Woop-PRESERVERS’ ASSOCIATION 21

Nh
i)

Fig.
Fig.
Fig.

Fig.

Tur Decay or TIES IN STORAGE

PLATE II

Hypoxylon cohaerens on the end of a beech tie.
Hypoxylon coccineum on the end of a beech tie.

Lenzites betulina on the end of a red gum tie.

‘ Hypocrea citrina on the end of a beech tie. The

white area is paint.

AMERICAN Woop-PRrESERVERS’ ASSOCIATION 23

24+

Fig.

Fig.

Tae Decay or Ties IN STORAGE

PLATE III

An olive-black mold, Lasiosphaeria pezizula, on
the end of a red gum tie.

Daldinia concentrica on the end of a white elm
tie. The surface of the weod is blackened
from spores and mycelium.

Stereum fasciatum on sapwood at the end of a
white -oak tie.

Exidia glandulosa on sapwood at the end of a
beech tie.

25

AmertcAN Woop-Preservers’ ASSOCIATION

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26

Fig.

Fig.

Fig.

Fig.
Fig.
Fig.

Fig.

Fig.

Fig.

Tre Decay or Tres IN STORAGE

PLATE IV

Peniophora gigantea on the end of a compara-
tively new sound yellow pine tic. The radiat-
ing white streaks are mycelium intermixed
with exuding resin.

Longitudinal section of pine wood beneath the
sporophore of Peniophora gigantea shown in
Plate I, Fig. 3. Note that the wood is not
decayed.

Cross section of the same tie.

Cross section of white oak tie, shown in’ Plate
III, Fig. 3, sap-rotted by Stereum fasciatum.

Cross section of red oak tie rotted by Lenzites
betulina.

Longitudinal section of same tie. The light areas
are thoroughly rotted.

Longitudinal section of red gum tie shown in
Plate I, Fig. 2, rotted by Polystictus versi-
color.

Cross section of same tie showing complete de-
cay throughout.

Cross section of a white oak tie showing the
sap-rot produced by Polystictus versicolor and
Stereum fasciatum invading the heartwood.

27

AMERICAN Woop-PrRESERVERS’ ASSOCIATION

28

Fig. 1.
Fig. 2.
Fig. 3
Fig. 4
Fig. 5
Fig. 6
Fie 7
Fig. 8
Fig. 9
Fig. 10
Fig. 11

Tue Decay or Ties IN STORAGE

PLATE V

Longitudinal section of yellow pine tie shown in
Plate I, Fig. 4, rotted by Lenzites sepiaria.
Note that the rot occurs in the form of large
dark brown pockets.

Cross section of the same tie. The dark streaks
show wood in the early stages of decay.

Cross section of red gum tie shown in Plate I,
Fig. 1, rotted by Stereum rameale.

Longitudinal section of same tie. The lighter
areas’ are severely decayed.

Longitudinal section of beech tie shown in Plate
II, Fig. 1, rotted-by Hypoxylon cohaerens.

Longitudinal section of beech tie shown in Plate
II, Fig. 2, rotted by Hypoxylon coccineum.

Cross section of beech tie shown in Plate II, Fig.
1, rotted by Hypoxylon cohaerens.

Cross section of beech tie shown in Plate II, Fig.
2, rotted by Hypoxylon coccineum.

Cross section of beech tie shown in Plate III,
Fig. 4, rotted by Exidia glandulosa.

Longitudinal section of same tie.

Cross section of beech tie sap-rotted by Exidia
glandulosa.

AMERICAN Woop-PRESERVERS’ ASSOCIATION 29

30

Fig. 1
Fig. 2
Fig. 3
Fig. 4
Fig. 5
Fig. 6
Fig. 7
Fig. 8
Fig. 9

Tue Decay or TyEs IN STORAGE

PLATE VI

Cross section of severely rotted white elm tie
shown in Plate III, Fig. 2, rotted by Daldinia
_concentrica.

Longitudinal section of the same tie.

Longitudinal section of beech tie shown in Plate
II, Fig. 4, rotted by Hypocrea citrina.

Cross section of same tie. The whitened area
shows the extent of the rot.

Schizophyllum commune fruiting on the end of a
persimmon tie.

Cross section of the same tie. The whitened areas
are considerably decayed.

Longitudinal section of the same tie.

Schizophyllum commune on the end of a com-
paratively new yellow pine tie.

Longitudinal section of the same tie. Note that
there is no noticeable: decay.

Cross section of the same tie.

AMERICAN Woop-PrRESERVERS’ ASSOCIATION 31

32

Fig. 1
Fig. 2.
Fig. 3.
Fig. 4.
Fig. 5
Fig. 6.
Fig. 7
Fig. 8.
Fig. 9
Fig. 10.
Fig. 11.

Tue Decay or Ties IN STORAGE

PLATE VII

Trametes sepium fruiting on sapwood at the end
of a white oak tie.

Pholiota adiposa growing from the rotten heart-
wood through a large crack on the side of a
beech tie. This tie was heart-rotted when cut.

Hydnum erinaceum fruiting on the heartwood at
the end of a beech tie. Tie heart-rotted when
cut.

Panus stipticus fruiting on the side of a red oak
tie and producing a sap-rot.

Gloeoporus conchoides fruiting mainly on the
heart of a red oak tie.

Cross section of heart rot in beech tie shown in
Fig. 2, produced by Pholiota adiposa.

Daedalea confragosa fruiting on the end of a
willow tie.

Longitudinal section of blue-stained red gum tie
shown in Fig. 10.

Longitudinal section of red gum tie shown in
Plate III, Fig. 1. Infected at the end with the
olive-black mold, Lasiosphaeria pezizula (B. &
C.) Sace.

The blue-stain fungus (Ceratostomella sp.) on the
end of a red gum tie. The white areas are in
part the mycelium of a mold intermixed with
the blue-stain.

Cross section of the same tie, about an inch and a
half from the end.

AMERICAN Woop-PRESERVERS’ ASSOCIATION 33

34

Fig.

Fig.

Fig.

Tue Decay or Ties IN STORAGE

PLATE VIII

Polystictus abietinus on the side of a pine tie in
track.

Lentinus lepideus on the side of a rotten. hem-
lock tie removed from track.

Polystictus pargamenus on a paper birch sapling
in the woods.

Fomes roseus on the end of a hemlock tie in
track.

Lenzites trabea on the end of a hardwood tie in
track.

AMERICAN Woop-PRESERVERS’ ASSOCIATION 35

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