459 



which some monocotyledonous stems, or corms, increase. The ano- 

 malous forms of Fungi, in certain circumstances, has lately excited 

 much interest ; and Mr. Berkeley has called attention to some of the 

 remarkable transformations which they undergo. These transforma- 

 tions are such, that many forms considered as separate genera are now 

 looked upon as mere varieties of one species. That mould of various 

 kinds, when placed in syrup, shows the same tendency to form a flat, 

 gelatinous, or somewhat leathery expansion, is shown by the following 

 experiments : — Some mould that had grown on an apple was put into 

 syrup on the 5th of March, 1851 ; and in the course of two months 

 there was a cellular, flat, expanded mass formed, while the syrup was 

 converted into vinegar. Some of the original mould was seen on the 

 surface in its usual form. Some mould from a pear was treated in a 

 similar way at the same time ; and the results were similar. So, also, 

 with various moulds growing on bread, tea, and other vegetable sub- 

 stances. The efiect of these moulds was, in most cases, to cause a 

 fermentation, which resulted in the production of vinegar. In ano- 

 ther experiment, on the 8th of November, 1850, a quantity of raw 

 sugar, treacle, and water were put into ajar, without any plant being 

 introduced ; and they were left untouched till March 5, 1851. When 

 examined, a growth like that of the vinegar-plant was visible ; and 

 vinegar was formed. The plant was removed, and put into fresh 

 syrup ; and again the production of vinegar took place. It would 

 appear, from experiment, that, when purified white sugar alone is 

 used to form syrup, the plant, when placed in it, does not produce 

 vinegar so readily, the length of time required for the changes varying 

 from four to six months. There may possibly be something in the 

 raw sugar and treacle which tends to promote the acetous change. 

 Specimens of the different kinds of moulds were shown, some in 

 syrup of different kinds, and others in the vinegar which had been 

 formed. 



Dr. Greville remarked that he had no doubt that the vinegar-plant 

 was an abnormal state of some Fungus. It was well known that many 

 Fungi, in peculiar circumstances, presented most remarkable forms. 

 He instanced the so-called genus Myconema of Fries, as well as the 

 genus Ozonium. Even some of the agarics present anomalous ap- 

 pearances, such as the absence of the pileus, &c., in certain instances. 

 The remarkable appearances of dry rot in different circumstances are 

 well known. Although syrup, when left to itself, will undergo the 

 acetous change, still Dr. Greville was satisfied that the presence of 

 this plant promoted and expedited the change. 



