284 THE NORTHERN MICROSCOPIST. 
MICRO-FUNGI IN DECEMBER. 
HOSE readers of the “‘ NorTHERN Microscopist” who have 
done me the honour of reading my notes on the subject of 
Micro-Fungi from month to month during the year, will remember 
that we began with noticing the two Leaf-Fungi which came upon the 
scene in the early spring on Ranunculus ficaria, generally known 
as Pilewort or the Lesser Celandine. This early visitor of our 
meadows with its two most beautiful Micro-Fungi upon its leaves 
is the harbinger of a complete host of interesting followers. Year 
by year with unfailing fidelity, this welcome plant with its shining 
golden petals comes to the front to gladden the botanist and to 
recall to the microscopist the harvest of scientific study which is 
about to be prepared for him. At this period we have but two 
species of Leaf-Fungi, but soon others are developed in great 
numbers from month to month until a large proportion of the vege- 
table kingdom becomes decorated or infested with these minute 
cryptogams—sometimes the pests of the agriculturalist, but always 
the delight of the microscopist, and also to him the best field for 
the study of the secrets of nature. If there be a link connecting 
the animal and vegetable kingdoms here, it is that that link must 
be found. The eyes of scientists are now greatly turned in this 
direction, and no one can forecast what the results may be.- My 
desire is not to give an opinion on the matter, but to call the 
attention of the student “to the subject as one of infinite interest 
well deserving of careful investigation. 
The Leaf-Fungi have accompanied us during the months from 
April to the end of the year, for we are now near its close; but we 
still have a few to keep us company. The only one within reason- 
able distance of Manchester to be found in this month is Puccinta 
glomerata, on the well-known ragwort (Senecio), of which there are 
many species all liable to be infected. This must be looked for in 
sheltered places amongst the sand hills at Southport or in similar 
situations. I have found it frequently in a sandy lane about a mile 
from Southport in the direction of Churchtown. Another Puccinia 
glechomatis (Ground-ivy Brand) I met with near the railway station 
at Taunton in December, 1873. A third, Puccinta umbilici (Penny- 
wort Brand) I found in a sheltered part of the valley which runs 
betwixt Ilfracombe and Barnstable on a ramble through that valley 
within a few days of Christmas in 1873. It will be noticed that 
the two latter species were in Devonshire, which is far away from 
northern hunting ground ; but I am inclined to think that there 
are many warm nooks far north of Devonshire, where Leaf-Fungi 
will be able to linger on to witness the end of the year. Doubtless 
