NOTES AND QUERIES. * 295 
it filled with long strings of “fungus” like leather, which he 
removed, and thought (like ourselves) when the range was set going 
our trouble in respect of the growth would be over. After some 
weeks, however, we find a fresh crop coming up between the 
crevices in the boards, and again through the paper and carpet, 
and no doubt is still luxuriant between the ceiling of the cellar 
below and floor boards. My hope in troubling you is that some 
correspondent may know of an antidote to destroy the growth. 
A VEGETABLE IGNORAMUS.” 
M. PAsTEUR AND HIS PaReNnTs.—Many of our readers will 
doubtless be glad to have a translation of M. Pasteur’s address 
to the people of Dédle on the occasion of the affixing of a 
commemorative tablet on the house in which he was_ born. 
The tablet says simply, ‘“‘ Here was born Louis Pasteur, Decem- 
ber 27, 1822.” M. Kaempfen, who represented the Muinistry 
of Public Instruction and Fine Arts at the ceremony, said :— 
“In the name of the Government of the Republic, I salute 
this inscription, which commemorates the fact that in this small 
house, in this small street, was born one who was to become one 
of the greatest of scientific men in a century distinguished 
by the greatness of its science, and who, by his admirable 
discoveries, has increased the glory of the country and deserved 
well of all humanity.” M. Pasteur’s reply was as follows :—“ I am 
deeply touched by the honour which the town of Ddle has 
conferred upon me; but permit me, while expressing my gratitude, 
to deprecate this excess of glory. In rendering to me the homage 
which is usually rendered only to the illustrious dead you encroach 
too hastily upon the judgment of posterity. Will it ratify your 
decision? and ought not you, Mr. Mayor, to have prudently 
warned the Municipal Council against so hasty a resolution? But, 
having protested against this outburst of an admiration which I do not 
merit, permit me to say that I am touched to the bottom of my heart. 
Your sympathy has united in this commemorative tablet two great 
things which have been at once the passion and the charm of my 
life—love of science and reverence for the paternal home. O, my 
. father and my mother. O, my dear departed, who so modestly 
lived in this little house, it is to you that I owe all. Your 
enthusiasms, my brave mother, you transmitted them tome. If I 
have always associated the greatness of science with the greatness 
of the country, it was because I have been full of the sentiments 
with which you inspired me. And you, my dear father, whose 
life was as rude as your rude trade, you showed me what patience 
and sustained effort could accomplish. It is to you that I owe the 
tenacity of my daily work. Not only had you the persevering 
qualities which make life useful, but you had an admiration for 
