es of
broad distinction, and no distinction, lies the ground occupied by the
scientific student, who, whilst admitting that logical definition
fails in assigning briefly and tersely the bounds of the three
kingdoms, contends that such limits exist so positively, that the
universal scientific mind accepts the recognized limit without
controversy or contradiction.

In like manner, if one kingdom be made the subject of inquiry, the
same difficulties will arise. A flowering plant, as represented by a
rose or a lily, will be recognized as distinct from a fern, a seaweed,
or a fungus. Yet there are some flowering plants which, at first
sight, and without examination, simulate cryptogams, as, for example,
many _Balanophorae_, which the unscientific would at once class with
fungi. It is nevertheless true that even the incipient botanist will
accurately separate the phanerogams from the cryptogams, and by means
of a little more, but still elementary knowledge, distribute the
latter amongst ferns, mosses, fungi, lichens, and algae, with
comparatively few exceptions. It is true that between fungi and
lichens there exists so close an affinity that difficulties arise, and
doubts, and disputations, regarding certain small groups or a few
species; but these are the exception, and not the rule. Botanists
generally are agreed in recognizing the five principal groups of
Cryptogamia, as natural and distinct. In proportion as we advance from
comparison of members of the three kingdoms, through that of the
primary groups in one kingdom, to a comparison of tribes, alliances,
and orders, we shall require closer observation, and more and more
education of the eye to see, and the mind to appreciate, relationships
and distinctions.

We have already assumed that fungi are duly and universally admitted,
as plants, into the vegetable kingdom. But of this fact some have even
ventured to doubt. This doubt, however, has been confined to one order
of fungi, except, perhaps, amongst the most illiterate, although now
the animal nature of the _Myxogastres_ has scarcely a serious advocate
left. In this order the early condition of the plant is pulpy and
gelatinous, and consists of a substance more allied to sarcode than
cellulose. De Bary insinuated affinities with _Amoeba_,[A] whilst
Tulasne affirmed that the outer coat in some of these productions
contained so much carbonate of lime that strong effervescence took
place on the application of sulphuric