216 Fungi. 



are quite minute, inconspicuous even when occurring in 

 considerable numbers, forming small spots on leaves or 

 pustules on twigs, occupying mere chinks in bark or mak- 

 ing mold stains on damp decaying organic matter. Again 

 a considerable number of species, though sufficiently large 

 to be noticeable, are ephemeral in character and grow 

 especially in deep woods, lonely swamps and dark ravines, 

 places seldom visited save by the most ardent lovers of nature. 

 Therefore while the watchful and scrutinizing botanist may 

 detect many species of these plants, the superficial observer 

 will notice but few. 



If we consider their number in respect to individuals 

 instead of species we shall find the larger ones, at least, 

 to fall far behind most species of flowering plants in abund- 

 ance. The grasses form a continuous green carpet in lanes 

 and pastures ; weeds, if left to themselves would crowd and 

 choke our cultivated plants; and a few species of trees by 

 the multiplication of individuals form dense groves and 

 extensive forests. On the other hand the larger Fungi are 

 seldom found in extensive patches. They occur most fre- 

 quently in small tufts or collections of few individuals, 

 scattered here and there, often at distant intervals. The 

 rule among them appears to be, the larger the plant the 

 fewer the individuals. Occasionally, under favorable con- 

 ditions of location and weather, some species may be found 

 quite plentifully sprinkled through considerable tracts, but 

 it is not usual. Among the microscopic species, however, 

 individuals are numbered by hundreds and thousands. 

 Indeed they could scarcely be detected except for the ag- 

 gregation of a multitude of plants. 



The conditions of growth in Fungi are in some respects 

 peculiar. The germination of the spores gives rise to deli- 

 cate, creeping, interlacing filaments, called in botanical 

 language mya litun. From this mycelium, in due time and 

 under favorable conditions of moisture and temperature, 



