PREFACE TO THE ENGLISH EDITION. 



I DO not deem it necessary to say anything in explanation of the reasons which 

 have led to the preparation of this translation of Professor de Bary's book on the 

 morphology and biology of Fungi, Mycetozoa and Bacteria. It brings within reach 

 of all English-speaking students the most thorough and comprehensive treatise upon 

 these groups which has appeared in any language ; and the picture that is presented 

 of the state of our knowledge of the subject at this time, along with the suggestions 

 and indications of the lines upon which further investigation is especially wanted, will, 

 it is to be hoped, not only instruct readers, but also stimulate them to research. 



To render adequately some of the precise terminology has been a serious 

 difficulty in the translation. The terms which have been adopted are consistently 

 used, and the occasional notes, along with the ' Explanation of Terms ' which I have 

 added, should prevent all misconception of their signification. It must be remembered 

 that the definitions and synonymy given at the end of the book have reference to 

 terms only as they are used in the text ; they are not exhaustive. The extension of 

 the original meaning of Berkeley's term ' sporophore ' and its use as the equivalent of 

 the German ' Fruchttrager ' is a prominent innovation to which attention may be 

 directed in this place. 



Several friends have been so kind as to give me their opinion and criticism 

 upon questions of terminology, and I have specially to acknowledge suggestions from 

 Professor Bower, Mr. A. W. Bennett, Dr. S. H. Vines, and Professor Marshall Ward ; 

 for help in some difficulties I have to thank the author himself. 



I. B. B. 



OXFORD : March i, 1887. 



