Lichens in History 



As the plant grows older the crust is rent and loosened from 

 the substratum, while the edges curl over until the loosened piece 

 forms an elliptical warted body about the size of a hazel-nut. 

 The Manna Lichen is sometimes brought down in such quantities 

 by the rain that it accumulates to a depth of several inches, and 

 in the Steppe region, and in the high lands of southwest Asia is 

 used as a substitute lor corn. 



From the time of Dioscorides in the first century, A. D., until 

 1825, advance in exact knowledge of lichens was practically 

 nothing. Between 1825 and 1868 considerable progress was 

 made in the chemical study of lichens, the investigations still 

 being primarily made with a view to improving the dye industry. 



France took the lead in improved methods of extracting dye 

 as well as of applying it. 



LICHENS 



" Little lichen, fondly clinging 

 In the wild wood to the tree, 

 Covering all unseemly places, 

 Hiding all thy tender graces, 

 Ever dwelling in the shade, 

 Never seeing sunny glade." 



R. M. E.. Lichens. 



