WORK IN THE FIKLD AMON'GST THE FUNGI. 11 



same species, I want the evidence as to the cause of the 

 difference. 



Then again tliere are species (so-called) of Lactaviu.-<, respec- 

 tivelv caniphoratus, ciiiiicariiis, and suhiimhonatns, wliich I will not 

 discuss, but I should like to see them compared and their 

 differences put to the test, so that we may be certain that they 

 only vary in submission to external circumstances. 



There is another anomaly I want cleared up. There is a 

 tawny Riissula called Riissula fcrtens, usually with a strong foetid 

 odour, which justifies the name. But I have found the same 

 species, to all external appearances, but without the foetid odour,, 

 and on the contrary pleasant, and rather fragrant. No doubt 

 can rest upon the determination, because the size, colour, and 

 peculiar striation of the margin of the pileus are characteristic. 

 Who will solve the enigma. 



I could go on for nearly an hour, with similar puzzles, but I 

 have said enough to show that there is work for the future, in 

 other directions beside the multiplication of species, even amongst 

 the larger fungi. 



But there is another field for work in the future which I would 

 urge upon your notice. If you were to read the reports which 

 have come over to this country during the past few years from 

 America and the antipodes, as well as the complaints from 

 our own fields and orchards, you would realize the enor- 

 mous losses, not only in thousands, but in millions 

 of pounds sterling every year by the destruction of 

 crops by the incursions of insects and parasitic fungi. The 

 determination of what Agarics are good to eat, and what to 

 avoid, may appeal to the stomach, but this devastation by 

 microscopic fungi appeals to the pocket, and that is a very 

 strong appeal. The man who will thoroughly investigate the 

 life history of one of these pests, and show how it may be success- 

 fully encountered and beaten, will be a benefactor to his race, 

 and an ornament to his country. It may mean work, and 

 plenty of it, but it will bring its own reward. I do not think that 

 there ever has been a time when the fruit grower, the gardener,^ 

 the practical horticulturist, and all concerned in the growth of 

 flowers, fruits, vegetables, cereals, and even forest trees, were 

 more anxious to secure the assistance and co-operation of the 

 practical microscopist and vegetable pathologist than at the 



