8* FUNGI. 



and Scliweinitz' Conspectus, which has been evidently used for 

 such a purpose, though tlie degree of faith to be placed in it, if 

 such exist, may be estimated from the fact, that the conductor 

 gives directions to the compiler to construct, if possible, figures 

 from the descriptions of such genera as are not represented 

 in the work itself. As long as \V ithering's book kept pace at 

 all with the current state of Mycology, students of this Order 

 appear to have been more numerous ; indeed, notwithstanding 

 many faults, it contains so much original matter that it may 

 even now be often consulted with advantage. The additions, 

 however, which we find in later editions, so far from con- 

 tributing to its usefulness, have, as it appears to me, often 

 absolutely destroyed it, as they are frequently erroneous, and 

 scarcely ever made with any just views either as to genera or 

 species. A far more valuable publication (if comparison be 

 made with the later editions of the Botanical Arrangement) 

 is the Midland Flora, of the late Mr. Purton, well characterized 

 by the writer of the former volumes of the present work, as 

 an assiduous and faitliful observer, containing much matter, 

 and, considering his almost total neglect of the microscope, 

 really surprising information. This, however, as the title 

 shows, is only a local Flora, and has, in consequence, perhaps 

 not received the attention it deserves ; tliongh its author has 

 not been averse to improvements, and indeed in a manuscript 

 revision, most kindly prepared witli great care expressly for 

 this volume, he has remodelled the greater part after the 

 system of Fries. Almost the whole credit, however, of any 

 knowledge of fungi which exists at present in this country, 

 is due to the exertions of Dr. Greviile, whose admirable pub- 

 lications have at least induced a better mode of study, if they 

 have not as yet raised so many students as might have been 

 expected from his labours. Tliat his great work, containing 

 certainly the most beautiful plates ever published, and which 

 has been duly appreciated by all the highest authorities, should 

 not have met with a support sufficient to ensure its continuance, 

 is too lamentable a proof that such an indifference to the study 

 of Fungi does exist. Indeed the general estimation in which 

 it has been held, has put so completely within his power all 

 the materials of the best mycologists, that it is greatly to be 

 regretted that the immense stock of information he must have 

 amassed, should be withheld from the public. 



Of the present attempt to coni?)lete the concluding portion of 

 th6 English Flora, comprising the Fungi, it is needful to say 

 but a few words. The subject is of such extent that it wa*s 

 found absolutely impossible for Dr. Hooker himself, with all 

 his various and important engagements, to give to the world, 

 though he had long purposed to do so, a detailed account of 



