CHAPTER XI. 



FUNGI. 



Mushrooms are not a favourite subject of study with 

 most out-of-door botanists. There is some excuse for 

 this feeling ; for almost all British work is systematic, 

 and it is almost impossible for most people to work up 

 much enthusiasm over the mere naming of an Againcus. 

 Hard study is required to master the meaning of the 

 author's description, as well as exceedingly minute and 

 careful observation ; whilst the end, the knowledge that 

 it is only Agaricus laccatus {Amethystinus), does not 

 seem to be worth the trouble. Yet the work done by 

 Fungi is of infinite value, and is moreover full of interest 

 to all lovers of nature. 



A Fungus consists generally of two distinct parts. 

 There is first the absorbing or feeding part of the 

 fungus which obtains water and all other necessary 

 nourishment from decaying organic matter, or from 

 living animals or plants. This is generally a system of 

 branched threads adapted to explore the material and 

 with the power of secreting substances which dissolve 

 cell walls or even woody matter. This absorbing part 

 {inyceliuni)^ is often below the ground or immersed in a 

 liquid medium. The second part of the fungus is 

 intended for reproduction and is generally formed in 

 air. Whatever the external appearance of the repro- 

 ductive bodies, they consist essentially of a single or of 



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