"BROWN OAK."
The so-called "brown oak," which commands a higher price than ordinary oak, is actually produced by a disease known as "beef-steak fungus." In the early stago of the attack the colour of the wood is improved —and so is its value. This curious fact is disclosed in a report issued by the Department of Scientific and International Research. A fungus which is probably able to cause more rapid decay in oak in buildings than any other is known as "Phellinus cryptarum," but it does not spread through brickwork like the ordinary dry rot fungus. It is unlikely, therefore, to cause widespread damage in a house. It has been found that wood attacked by the fungus is particularly suitable for the development of the larvae of the death-watch beetle.
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Bibliographic details
Auckland Star, Volume LXVII, Issue 273, 17 November 1936, Page 10
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130"BROWN OAK." Auckland Star, Volume LXVII, Issue 273, 17 November 1936, Page 10
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