Hundreds of species of the utmost interest would reward
active research, and they are amongst the easiest to dry; indeed, in
tropical countries, the greater proportion of the species are easy to
preserve, but they will not strike the eye which is not on the watch
for them. The number of fleshy species is but few, and far less
likely to furnish novelty."

* * * * *

In conclusion, we may urge upon all those who have followed us thus
far to adopt this branch of botany as their speciality. Hitherto
it has been very much neglected, and a wide field is open for
investigation and research. The life-history of the majority of
species has still to be read, and the prospects of new discoveries
for the industrious and persevering student are great. All who have as
yet devoted themselves with assiduity have been in this manner
rewarded. The objects are easily obtainable, and there is a constantly
increasing infatuation in the study. Where so much is unknown, not a
few difficulties have to be encountered, and here the race is not to
the swift so much as to the untiring. May our efforts to supply this
introduction to the study receive their most welcome reward in an
accession to the number of the students and investigators of the
nature, uses, and influences of fungi.

[A] The genus _Chionyphe_ occurs on granaries under snow, as well as
in that formidable disease, the Madura fungus-foot. (_See_
Carter's "Mycetoma.")

[B] Bubbles of air are often very tiresome in the examination of
moulds. A little alcohol will remove them.

INDEX.

_AEcidiacci_, structure of, 41.
_AEcidium_ and _Puccinia_, 199.
germination, 141.
_Agaricini_, habitats of, 233.
structure of, 17.
Agaric of the olive, 108.
Agarics, growth of, 138.
Algo-lichen hypothesis, 10.
Alveolate spores, 130.
Amadou, 103.
American floras, 281.
fungi, 281.
Antheridia, presumed, 171.
Appearance of new forms, 248.
Arrangement of families, 80.
Asci and sporidia, 131.
in Agarics (?), 23.
their dehiscence, 59.
_Ascobolei_, structure of, 56.
_Ascomycetes_, classification of, 75.
distribution of, 277.
habitats of, 241.
structure of, 55.
_Aspergillus glaucus_, 187.
Atmosphere, spores in, 214.

Barberry cluster-cups, 201.
Barren cysts of _Lecythea_, 37.
Basidiospores, 120.
Beech morels, 101.
Beefste