M. C. COOKE ON MICROSCOriC MOULDS. 67 



the end placed in water, if not already moist, then as soon as the 

 little points appear convex and gelatinous, remove one on the point 

 of a penknife, flatten it upon a slide by pressure on the cover, 

 and examine the structure with a quarter inch, adding a drop of 

 water at the edge of the cover when the object is well in focus, 

 then look and learn. Of course those whose sole ambition is a 

 pretty object, and nothing more, need not trouble themselves, as 

 they are likely to be disappointed. 



I will not detain you over the remaining two orders, as they are 

 of little importance. In the Sepedoniei the flocci are so much sup- 

 pressed that the spores seem to be the principal feature. Perhaps 

 the only true genus represented in Britain is Fusisporium. It is 

 very doubtful whether Sepedonium, Epochnium, and Psilonia are 

 not soon doomed to oblivion. The spores in Fusisporium are long, 

 spindle-shaped, curved and septate, forming a gelatinous mass. 



In the last order (Trichodermacei) the spores are invested by 

 the flocci, forming a sort of spurious peridium. The most common 

 and typical species is Triclwderma viride, which forms at first 

 whitish, then greenish, mouldy tufts on dead wood and fallen 

 branches. This is the only British species of Triclwderma, and 

 the Messrs. Tulasne have shown it to be a condition of Hypocrea 

 rufa. 



From these eursory observations you will gather that, considered 

 in the light of microscopical objects, two orders of the Hyphomy- 

 cetes only can be strongly commended to your notice. Of course 

 those who are desirous of extending their knowledge of the lower 

 forms of vegetable life will not rest content with such only as may 

 be attractive ; but I am afraid that there exists too little interest in 

 the subject for me to hope that many are prepared to pursue the 

 study of Fungi, except under the most favourable conditions and 

 with the most attractive forms. It will prove a source of satis- 

 faction if I am disappointed. 



The collection of moulds requires to be conducted on similar 

 principles to the collection of other objects, and no special instruc- 

 tions are needed, except on one point. Moulds are exceedingly 

 delicate, and cannot be bottled or placed loosely in a vasculum ; 

 indeed, if each specimen or species is to be of value it must be 

 isolated from all others in such a manner that the spores of one 

 cannot by any accident become intermixed with the flocci of an- 

 other species. To avoid this I find it advisable to employ small 



