American Notes TEXAS

Visibly ailing since Memorial Day, Austin's historic Treaty Oak -- alleged site of a treaty signing by Native Americans and Father of Texas Stephen F. Austin -- has been receiving the kind of diligent attention usually given a gravely ill head of state. A team of eleven has meticulously removed the contaminated soil from around its huge root network, and last week billionaire H. Ross Perot flew in 18 technical specialists from around the nation to assist in a bedside diagnosis.

About 600 years old and 50 ft. high, the great tree, with its 52 1/2-in. girth and 127-ft. limb spread, has inspired an outpouring of sympathy. Well- wishers stand vigil, send get-well cards, flowers, candles, even cans of chicken soup with anguished messages: "Please don't die!"

It seems that someone poured the potent herbicide Velpar in a circle around the tree early this year, committing a "malicious act against an innocent creature," said city forester John Giedraitis. When the tree shed beads of sap, he said, "it's weeping. This tree is under a tremendous amount of stress." Velpar maker Du Pont has put up a $10,000 reward for the capture of the tree's poisoner. Says a poster at the tree: HANG HIM FROM THE HIGHEST LIMB.

Police late last week arrested Paul Stedman Cullen, 45, and said he apparently poisoned the tree as part of a ritual. Hanging, though, is not in prospect. Cullen could get only up to 20 years for criminal mischief, a felony.