DIPHTHERIA FUNGUS. 291 
There is one point in which some of you may perhaps be able to 
‘help me. The diphtheria fungus grows in the mucus of the throat, at 
the top or some distance down the trachea. Existing in so moist a 
habitat, how is it that it is so contagious? I can understand the 
spreading of the spores by carelessness in the use of pocket handkerchiefs 
and the like; but I cannot understand how a child’s breath or a corpse 
can carry the spores about, unless when there is an absence of moisture 
altogether and the spores escape when dry, after evaporation has taken 
‘place. 
I hope that none will carry away the idea that fungi are, asa rule, 
so hurtful in their work as might be supposed from what I have said of 
this one form. They are often mighty instruments in arresting disease 
and death, although they sometimes destroy life. Nevertheless the rule 
is certainly not to hasten death, but to keep health. Animal life could 
not be prolonged to anything like the proper extent if it were not for the 
despised moulds, which teach us that purity is a grand reality, for what 
would the half-drained sewers and damp places be if the Oidium of 
diphtheria did not in its growth imbibe for its own existence the poisonous 
gases which otherwise would be insufferable? We are thus taught 
lessons which it will be to our cost if we do not follow. We are taught 
that animal and vegetable refuse must not lightly be permitted to 
accumulate ; the sooner it is applied to its real use, namely, the 
enriching of the soil, the better. Soil deodorises, economises, and 
profits by these refuse materials; they are the very things which the 
earth requires. 
ENTOMOLOGICAL RAMBLES IN THE MIDLANDS, 
II.—CANNOCK CHASE. 
BY W. G. BLATCH. 
(Continued from page 196.) 
Next in order of importance to Bewdley Forest as a resort for 
Midland Entomologists must be reckoned that extremely interesting 
district known as ‘Cannock Chase.” Situated almost in the heart of 
Staffordshire, and covering a very considerable portion of the extensive 
area lying between Lichfield, Penkridge, Stafford, and Rugeley—easily 
accessible, withal, from any of those stations—the ‘‘Chase” ought to be 
better known to local Naturalists than it seems to be. Those who have 
visited it need no recommendation of its attractions, but to those who at 
present are strangers to that region I would say: ‘Go, take a half- 
holiday as soon as you can, and spend it there.” But as, I suppose, for 
the purposes of these papers, I am, for the time being, ‘“‘ Guide, 
philosopher, and friend,” I must not only point to the goal, but lead the 
way, We will, therefore, if you please, consider ourselves as fairly 
started on our second Ramble. As he “who hesitates is lost,” we will 
not bewilder ourselves by discussing the various routes by which our chosen 
ground can be explored, but at once decide to attack it from Rugeley. 
