64 MICROSCOPIC FUNGI. 



leaves and leaf- stalks, and the blackish-brown spots, 

 which reveal the cause in the presence of a brand, 

 or parasitic fungus, of this genus (Puccinia Umbclli- 

 frrarum, DC), which is extremely common on this, 

 as well as some other allied plants. If any spot is 

 searched where this plant grows in any profusion, 

 before the flowering stalks have made their appear- 

 ance above the surrounding grass, this Puccinia 

 will be readily found by the twisted, contorted, 

 sickly appearance of the infested leaves (fig. 71), 

 the petioles of w T hich are often swollen and gouty in 

 consequence. The sporidia are shortly stalked, and 

 generally very much constricted (fig. 72). The 

 species found on the stems of the hemlock, and also 

 that on Alexanders (Smymium, Olus-atrum), are dis- 

 tinct ; the spores of the latter being covered with 

 tubercles or warts (figs. 55, 56). During a botanical 

 ramble through Darenth Wood in April of the year 

 1863 or 1864', in some parts of which the sanicle 

 abounds, we found the bright glossy leaves of this 

 singular and interesting plant freely sprinkled with 

 the pustules of a Puccinia (P. Sauiculm, Grev.), 

 which is not at all uncommon on this, but has not 

 hitherto been found on any other plant. Dr. Grre- 

 ville, of Edinburgh, was the first to describe this, 

 as well as many other of our indigenous minute 

 Fungi. For many years he toiled earnestly and 

 vigorously at the lower cryptogams, as evidenced 

 by his " Scottish Cryptogamic Flora," published 

 in 1823; and continual additions to the records of 



