TOADSTOOLS 



BENEATH the shade of the fine old row of elms 

 where the ground is dusty dry, there is a wooden 

 fence that has long since 

 taken the place of the 

 hedge, which in its early 

 days formed the young- 

 trees' protection, but 

 whose existence, for lack 

 of moisture and light, 

 they in course of time 

 made impossible ; for so 

 runs the never-ceasing 

 stern struggle in the 

 battle of plant life. The 

 dark soil is enriched by countless layers of leaf 

 mould and decayed boughs, and forms the home of 

 many exquisite fungi. 



Growth in all its forms is a mystery, and familiarity 

 with its marvels deadens our appreciation of its 



157 



AGARICUS RACHODES 



