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OUTLINES OP BRITISH FUNGOLOGT.

Such, on a general review, are the objects which engagethe study of the Fungologist. He will not at first, perhaps,be able in every case to assert at once, without danger ofmistake, that any given production is a Fungus, because someof the Lichens, or even Algae, come so near to Fungi. But thisis true only of a limited number of plants which will not natu-rally come under his investigation at first. There are multi-tudes which he can determine satisfactorily without the aid ofanything more than a common lens, and to these he will dowell to pay attention in the first instance. If he wishes tobecome acquainted with structure, he must have recourse toa microscope, and he will then be able better to appreciate thenice shades which separate Fungi from neighbouring classesof the Vegetable Kingdom. It is a most fatal error in thestudent to attach himself in the first instance to the namingof every black speck he may chance to find, without a preciseknowledge of structure; for in this case he is sure to end asa mere collector, without any title to the name of Fungologist.

It may be well to present in a tabular form the generaloutline which has been presented to my readers, noticing wherepracticable popular examples of each division.

SPORTFEROUS FUNGI.

1. HYMENOMYCETES.

a. Agaricini. Mushroom. Chantarelle.

b. Polyporei. Sap-balls.

c. Hydnei. Spine-bearing Fungi.

d. Auricularini. Stereum of Oak and Poplar.

e. Clavati. Clavaria.

f. Tremellini. Jew’s-ear.

2. GASTEROMYCETES.

a. Hypogm. Red Truffle of Bath.