AN INTRODUCTION TO THE STUDY OF LICHENS. 107 
than full statements, yet, on account of their length already, we 
must at present omit noticing the wses and applications of Lichens, 
with their classification and geographical distribution; and we must 
proceed to give a few suggestions on the method of studying this 
group of plants. Now, the thing of primary importance in the 
study of any subject, is a definite object. To fritter away our 
time over a score of different things, answers no purpose beyond a 
momentary gratification in our own mind. It leaves no permanent 
results, nor deep sense of satisfaction. We must select where the 
subjects before us are somany. Our selection should be made 
with due regard to the tastes and idiosyncrasies of our own minds, 
and the favourableness of our circumstances for the pursuit. With 
definite aim and concentration of powers, we are sure to work to 
some good end. Further, it is not desired that any student of 
Nature should content himself with being merely a collector, classi- 
fier, or herbarium-maker ; but that he should seek a more intimate 
acquaintance with things. Knowledge is only sound and good in 
proportion as it is profound ; for it is only when we know the 
nature of things, that we can assign them their proper place in 
systems, or increase their useful application in daily life. In the 
study of Lichens, the first thing needed is a text book, or some 
source where we can obtain a sufficient knowledge of the plants, 
as to become a starting point for our own observations. The 
meagre notice taken of Lichens in most Manuals on Botany, is of 
little or no use. Hitherto, it has hardly seemed to come within 
the aim of books of that class, to acquaint any one with our Cryp- 
togamia ; and Lichens, more than any other group of plants, have 
been ignored or neglected by them. The best book, and the only 
suitable one we have at present for a beginner in Lichenology, is 
“A Popular History of British Lichens,” by Dr. W. L. Lindsay. 
This book is simply and well written, also beautifully illustrated. 
It costs about seven shillings. After that, ““A Manual of British 
Lichens,” by W. Mudd, is a good work, but it is scarce. The chief 
book on the subject is ‘‘ The Lichen-Flora of Great Britain, &c.,” 
by Rev. W. A. Leighton, 3rd Ed., 1879. Price 21s, _ This last 
work can only be used after some acquaintance with the subject. 
In addition to the literature mentioned, the student will find great 
help from the possession or access to a series of dried specimens. 
After the reading and study of the text book, plants may be 
gathered. For this purpose you may have to go a considerable 
distance from home; but begin collecting nearest home first. As 
you acquaint yourself with the plants nearest your own immediate 
neighbourhood, then widen your area of search. Select a fine day 
for collecting. A little damp in the air will be an advantage; be- 
cause some gelatinous and foliaceous Lichens growing on stones, 
if very dry, are apt to break and crumble in gathering. When in 
