56 RELATION OF THE DISEASE TO FUNGI. 



cellent ; nevertheless, his facts do not bear him out in the 

 opinion which he has promulgated. 



(219.) All decaying matter .becomes rapidly covered 

 with fungi; and if we examine rotten potatoes, we find 

 that they form no exception to the rule. 



(220.) The question of the origin of these fungi is one 

 of great importance and intricacy, involving as it does the 

 whole question of equivocal generation : certain it is, how- 

 ever, that they frequently make their appearance in cases 

 where, to our senses, the possibility of their existence would 

 almost be precluded. 



(221.) If we watch potatoes affected with the disease, 

 we shall observe in some cases that the potatoe is attacked 

 with dissimilar fungi. One of the most beautiful with 

 which I am acquainted may often be found in the inner 

 cavities of the diseased tuber ; it is one of the most beauti- 

 ful microscopic objects which can possibly be conceived. 

 It has long slender threads running about upon the surface 

 of the decayed matter, and sends up stems with a large 

 round ball at the top, which when mature becomes covered 

 with sporules for its reproduction. 



(222.) This beautiful fungus is frequently to be found in 

 the shrivelled cavities of diseased tubers. Sometimes a cut 

 surface will be covered with it, giving the appearance of a 

 most beautiful miniature forest ; and I am now writing with 

 a specimen before me, having thousands of these seed-ves- 

 sels rising upwards in every stage of growth. In their 

 early stage they are white, later they are brown, and 

 finally they are quite black, and covered with myriads of 

 seeds. This fungus sometimes sends forth these growths 

 through the cuticle of the potatoe, bursting its way out- 

 wards, and presenting its numerous heads to our view. 



