1 2 British Fimei- 



<b 



from otliers lower in fhe scale of fungfal differentiation 

 that their true origin and sequence can be determined. 

 From what has been said respecting the evolution of 

 the fungi from the alg^e, and also of the sequence from 

 the most highly differentiated to the primitive group 

 of fungi, there is the danger on the part of the reader 

 of assuming that the origin and sequence of develop- 

 ment of the fuDgi is fairly complete. To guard against 

 any misconception_, it is important to state clearly that 

 such is not the case ; it is generally admitted that the 

 fungi are of algal origin, and further, that the main 

 divisions of fungi are connected with each to such an 

 extent that the idea of independent starting-points 

 is not suggested; but it must be remembered that 

 each of the main sections into which fungi are natu- 

 rally divided, is composed of several smaller sections, 

 and the sequence of origin and affinity between these 

 minor sections are yet far from being settled. We 

 may conclude this portion of the subject by stating 

 that the most fascinating branch of biology — embodied 

 in the term (life-history) — can alone indicate the 

 required evidence for a satisfactory solution of the 

 affinities between the various sections. - 



The individuality of the fungal group cannot be 

 briefly expressed, but the two most prominent modi- 

 fications in the relative proportion and functional 

 value of parts constituting the PJiy corny cetes, which 

 stand near the base or starting-^Doint of the group, 

 may be pointed out as the prime factors in connection 

 with this individuality. 



In the PI ly corny cetes, to which the Saprolegniece and 

 PeronosporecB belong, the sexual mode of rejDroduction 



