48 MICROSCOPIC FTIN^GI. 



is barely possible for bim ever to bave beard tbe 

 ergot of grain called by tbe name of mildew. 



How long tbis disease bas been known, is an 

 unsolved problem. About tbe middle of tbe last 

 century a tract was publisbed on tbis subject in 

 Italy, but tbis was probably not even tbe first inti- 

 mation of its fungoid cbaracter. Before sucb con- 

 clusion bad been arrived at, men may bave struggled 

 in tbe dark, tbrougb many generations, to account 

 for a pbenomenon witb wbicb tbey were doubtless 

 familiar in its effects. In 1805, Sir Josepb Banks 

 publisbed bis '' Sbort Account,^^ illustrated by en- 

 gravings from the inimitable drawings of Bauer, 

 wbereby many in tbis country learnt, for tbe first 

 time, tbe true nature of mildew. 



Witb a view to tbe clearer understanding of tbese 

 parasites in tbe pbases of tbeir development, let us 

 select one, and we cannot do better tban adhere to 

 that of the wheat and other gTaminaceous plants.. 

 A fine day in May or June dawns upon our prepara- 

 tions for a stroll, far enough into the country to find 

 a wheat -field. Even now, witb tbe area of tbe 

 metropolis constantly widening, and banishing 

 farmers and wheat fields farther and farther from 

 tbe sound of Bow-bells, a com field may be reached 

 by a good stiff walk from Charing-Cross, or a six- 

 penny ride at the most, in nearly any direction. 

 Having reached the field, it may be premised that a 

 walk into it of less than twenty yards will be sure 

 to reward you witb the fungus we are in quest of» 



