Intelligence and Miscellanies. 177 
4. Observations on the novetus IGNIARIUS. shewing its anal- 
ogy to animal blancs in closing its severed Parts; ty 
Prorrsson Kar 
TO THE EDITOR. 
Sir, 
Few persons take the trouble to watch the steel of 
Cryptogamous plants; therefore, accidental observations, 
may with property | be preserved. 
igniarius, or the commom touch-wood is a 
very upsile fungus. We often observe it full grown and 
generally several years old; but few persons, I presume, 
ave observed its progress while i in the growing state. 
A fungus of this species first: appeared, growing from the 
trunk of a decaying Lombardy poplar; + ¥ ey yard, about 
twelve inches from the ground, in July, 1 During that 
season, it grew to the extent of four inches } in diameter, 
Last June it commenced growing again; and about the first 
of September following, it was fifteen inches'i in diameter, 
measured across the base of the semi-circle. The first sea- 
son it approached a globular form; though it presented it- 
self as an unfinished, rather shapeless mass. Now it has 
assumed its regular form, and seems to have completed its 
growth; which, if correct, proves it to be a biennial plant. 
The most remarkable fact observed in the oe of this 
fungus. was its flesh-like property, manifested when parts 
were severed. A deep gash was cut in rite periphery | in Av- 
gust; and the severed parts shortly afterwards united, by the 
process which surgeons denominate first intension. A 
and after lying on the ground two days; it was joined on 
again. The piece united, as in the case of the incision be- 
fore heen ag and continued to grow with the other parts 
of the fungus. Now there is not even a cicatrice nor any 
other suidiaes left of the incision or of the fracture. 
Troy, Dec. 15th, 1822. 
Von. VI....No. I. 
to 
as 
