46 



PROPAGATION OP FUNGI, 



49. In their general simplicity of structure, the Fungi (the 

 tribe including Mushrooms, Puff-balls, and many kinds of blight, 

 mildew, and mould), correspond with the Algae and Lichens ; 



Fiu. 15 VARIOUS FORMS OF THE HIGHER FUNGI. 



but they differ remarkably in habits, and in the character of their 

 fabrics. Fungi will not grow with the simple nourishment 

 which serves for their support ; but require to be fed with decay- 

 ing animal or vegetable matter of some kind ; and they chiefly 

 frequent situations, in which decomposition is going on with 

 rapidity, and which are at the same time dark and warm. It is 

 very remarkable to observe the constancy with which particular 

 species make their appearance on particular substances. Thus, no 

 fungus but the common edible Mushroom ever grows upon the 

 mushroom- spawn (as it is called) ; though this does not neces- 

 sarily contain its germs, being merely a kind of manure com- 

 posed of various decaying substances, which prepares the soil to 

 receive them from the atmosphere. Again, there is a species of 

 mould which is only found on the surface of the dung of cats 

 deposited in moist and obscure places. Almost every tribe of 

 plants has its peculiar species of blight or rust, to the attacks of 



