Review. Carleton Rea. 255 
His classification differs from that of Fries, to which we have 
been so long accustomed, and which in this country has hitherto 
practically held the field. Its distinctive features need not be 
set down here. They are clearly stated in the Introduction and 
in the elaborate Key to the Divisions and Genera. The system 
of classification is based on that of Patouillard with alterations 
and additions by other eminent Continental mycologists, and 
even an hour’s study of it will render it intelligible to any one 
possessed of the necessary preliminary knowledge. It is in- 
genious, comprehensive and scientific, but whether it deserves 
to supersede, for practical purposes at any rate, the simpler 
classification of Fries is open to question. 
Amateur field botanists who have learnt the Agarics on the 
Friesian system will not regard the new arrangement with 
kindly feelings, as the order of the genera is so confused that 
one cannot turn up well-known species without continual 
reference to the index. The modern school of mycologists, how- 
ever, who aim at determining Agarics by microscopical features, 
will welcome it. The older men will demur, and the younger 
men may applaud. 
It is to be remembered that the work is a Handbook to the 
larger fungi, and the less elaborate classification may be re- 
garded as the more appropriate. However that may be, the 
classification followed in the present work is an interesting de- 
parture from the timeworn tradition of mycologists in this 
country, and deserves an opportunity of fighting its way into 
general favour. If, after a period of testing, it turns out to be 
practically superior to that of Fries and Berkeley, it will be 
welcomed and adopted; if not, it will still be valuable as an able 
and consistent attempt to arrange the great mass of material 
dealt with, on a fresh basis. After all, the main features of the 
Friesian System are still preserved. 
It might have been well if in the preliminary Key, to which 
one naturally looks for guidance, the page where each group 
was to be found had been set down in consecutive order. This 
however is a small matter as the Index is all that could be 
desired, complete and well arranged, so-that any single species 
or group of fungi can at once be found without any difficulty. 
The descriptions are excellent, based of course on those of 
Fries, but with additional features often added, drawn either 
from long observation on the part of the author, or culled from 
the works of Continental mycologists. By the judicious use of 
italics, attention is drawn to the main points of distinction 
between neighbouring species. Measurements of spores are given 
for most species, and in the case of a considerable number, those 
of cystidia also. The former could not well have been omitted, 
although being variable, much stress cannot be laid on them. 
