150 FERNS IN THEIR HOMES AND OURS. 



investigation by microscopists, who use their sili- 

 cious cases as test-objects for high-power objec- 

 tives. 



The parallel group of Fungi is generally very 

 uninteresting as presenting objects for collection, 

 although much investigated by patient scientists. 

 Many species among the larger ones are edible ; 

 and the mushroom (Agaricus campestris) is fre- 

 quently seen at horticultural exhibitions, though 

 it is seldom that this excellent vegetable reaches 

 the suburban markets. Old specimens of Polypo- 

 rus t the shelf-like, woody fungus which grows 

 upon old trees, may be easily converted into a 

 bracket upon which to place a pot-plant or a vase. 



The Lichens are very tempting to collectors, 

 in the hope that they may be made to flourish in 

 the fernery; but they soon mould, and spread 

 trouble among the ferns. One of the most beau- 

 tiful, the Evernia vulpina of California, is a fine 

 object to use for house decoration in company 

 with the Tillandsia, and, like most of the pendent 

 Lichens, may be washed when dusty. 



Of the Characece many species may be found 

 in ponds and rivers, sometimes growing in quite 

 deep, but more frequently in shallow water. Some 

 have a very unpleasant smell, resembling sulphu- 

 retted hydrogen, when first collected ; and some are 

 covered by a deposit of carbonate or phosphate 

 of lime, which is secreted by the plant, and hence 



