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FOLIHCOLOUS SPHJERLE. 
By M. C. Cooxs. 
(Prates L. AND LL) 
The classification of the Spheriacei is a subject which has occupied 
the minds of many mycologists during the past few years, and is still 
an “open question." Notwithstanding the ‘Schema’ of Professor de 
Notaris, and the propositions of M. Tulasne, no one is regarded as 
a heretic in science who declines to accept the methods of either. Yet 
it will be generally admitted that a revision of this Order is a fair field 
for the exhibition of systematic ingenuity, and, if satisfactorily accom- 
plished, would really prove to be an advance in the right direction. It 
is not clear to my mind, however, that such a change will take place 
other than through a series of years, gradually and progressively, and 
not by one Titanic effort. On one point I think the majority of bo- 
tanists agree, that classification, to be permanently successful, must not 
be based on the fructification alone. On the other hand, it seems very 
doubtful whether any arrangement in which no regard is given to the 
fruit will supersede the Friesian system. It is not with the view of 
proposing any new theory that this paper has been attempted, but the 
experience derived from close observation in one direction has induced 
the adoption of one or two genera, more or less generally recognized 
by Continental mycologists. 
For some months during the past winter and spring, my friend Dr. 
Edward Capron, of Shere, has kindly devoted himself to my service in 
the examination of all the forms of leaf Spherie which we could collect 
in our respective localities, and the result has been the recognition of 
several new forms which do not appear to have heretofore been de- 
scribed and figured. This has afforded an opportunity for presenting 
a synopsis of the British species, as far as they have become known to 
us; and, inasmuch as the descriptions and figures of those previously 
included in the British flora were scattered through journals and sepa- 
rate works, beyond the reach of young students, I have ventured to 
bring them together in the hope that thereby this communication would 
be rendered more practically useful. 
One advantage resulting from the co-operation to which I have 
already alluded is, that our measurements and figures have been com- 
VOL. tv. [AUGUST 1, 1866.] » 
