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take diversified shapes, and the myceloid state of Penicillium crustaceum, com- 
monly called ‘‘ the’vinegar plant,” would not be known correctly without study 
and observation ;"while many minor mycological forms, at first properly considered 
as distinct species, have been observed to be only states of one, analagous to the 
caterpillar advancing to the winged butterfly. Thus the Mecidiwm of the bar- 
berry has been asserted to be really a form of the mildew (Puccinia graminis), 
that attacks growing corn ; and if this is proved to be truly the case, the farmers 
were right in believing the vicinity of the barberry detrimental to their wheat 
fields, and in rooting it wp whenever they perceived it, as they have done in 
Worcestershire. The Jsarice and some other small fungoid substances described 
as species have also by systematic writers heen adjudged not to be autonymous. 
On these somewhat abstruse points I must refer you to Mr. Berkeley and other. 
technical writers, British and foreign, who have treated on the subject in full 
detail. But though some forms of Agarics do apparently approach each other in 
a very puzzling manner I do not believe in changes or advances from one genus to 
another, for even the two ordinary kinds of mushrooms (Psaliota campestris and 
arvensis) are easily distinguised by common people, and inviting as theory is to 
some minds, I am contented to see objects as they now appear, and do not believe 
that an Agaric can be induced to become a Polypore or vice versa. Still hypo- 
theses may be useful as eliciting research, and it is an excellent maxim to “ prove 
all things and hold fast that which is good.” 
But though we may differ as to theory, and there is some difficulty as to the 
classification and nomenclature of the different genera and sub-genera of fungi, to 
say nothing of species, we shall all agree with Dr. Badham that fungus-hunting 
gives as much pleasurable excitement as any other hunting sport, and that it may 
be recommended to the naturalist not only for the beauty of the objects that are 
sure to be found, but it brings the wanderer out of beaten paths into striking 
scenes and romantic bowery spots of sylvan solitude that he would not otherwise 
have explored, and at the present period of the year, when the woods are arrayed 
in colorific glory, Woolhopeians have >with joyous enthusiasm urged their Fungus 
Forays year after year, and I may therefore here fitly use the exciting language 
of Charles Mackay with a trifling alteration :— 
“ Men of thought ! be up and stirring night and day, 
There’s a fount about to stream, 
There’s a light about to beam, 
There’s a warmth about to glow ; 
Funguses can joys bestow, 
More than common minds;can know ! 
Men of thought and men of action, 
Here can find full satisfaction ;” 
e 
especially if they eat the funguses they find by Dr. Bull’s exquisite recipes. 
Shakespeare has said— f 
*« All things that are, 
Are with more spirit chas-ed than enjoyed ;” 
and to some persons there is more pleasure in the search for an object than in the 
attainment of it, but the fungologist?cannot agree with this, for we search with 
the determination to find—and how exciting it is to the naturalist to find some- 
thing new—and our Fungus Forays are so productive both of delight in the search 
