442 Autumnal Cryptogamic Plants. 



playing their flowers uninjured by the frost ; and the more 

 common, though no less foreign, cultivated plants of our gar- 

 dens still unfold their petals amid the decaying and prepara- 

 tory liybemating changes of their hardier companions. 



A floral catalogue of the lingering blossoms of the year may 

 be as useful to point out the general state of the weather, 

 as are those of the first approach and gradual advancement 

 of spring. As an interesting occupation to the florist and 

 horticulturist, such a diary might be recommended; taking care, 

 however to state the location and circumstances of the spot 

 or garden in which it was kept. 



Thus up to the date first given, I observe in a garden not 

 by any means protected from the access of the frosts, Phlox 

 scabra, P. pyramidalis alba, Gilia capitata, Tropseolum majus 

 and var. atrosanguineum, Mesembryanthemum lucidum, Nioo- 

 tiana decurrens. Coreopsis tinctoria (Calliopsis bicolor,) Xe- 

 ranlhemum annuum, Dephinium elatum and Ajacis, Trades- 

 cantia virginica with several Cruciferae ; while premature flow- 

 ers have appeared on Cydonia japonica, rendering it quite an 

 object of autumnal beauty. 



Autumn and winter are the seasons for the humbler but 

 no less beautiful productions of the floral kingdom, the fu- 

 gacious yet vivid Fungi, the curious and almost apparently- 

 desiccated Lichenes, and the tiny delicate Musci ; and those 

 who reside on the coasts can find elegant marine Algs loos- 

 ened by the winter storms, and cast at their feet for almost 

 endless study. 



Under the decaying foliage, or springing up among it, or 

 clothing the decomposing and prostrate trunks, are the won- 

 derful mushroom tribe : whose whole existence, in many spe- 

 cies, is confined to a few hours, and whose rich unrivalled 

 beauty almost fades while we gaze. Unlike the Phaenoga- 

 mous plants, in the absence of the glossy or delicate green 

 foliage, or perfectly formed flower, nature seems to have com- 

 pensated for these deprivations, in the lavish manner with 

 which she has scattered magnificent coloring upon their simple 

 forms. Let the naturalist, therefore, lay aside any fastidious 

 notions which he may entertain respecting these humbler links 

 in the vegetable world, and he will, nay cannot do else than 

 admire, while his admiration will insensibly lead him to the 

 study of their almost magic transmutations. 



I have myself been for a moment surprised by the splendid 

 Pezoza coccinea, a common fungus, in the woods of the fer- 

 tile west, supposing it some new and rich flower, mocking the 

 tints of the brillianr Mexican sage (Salvia splendens.) \Vho 

 has not observed the golden, and orange, and purple, and vivid 

 red Boleti, which springs so luxuriantly in damp and sheltered 



