294 FUNGI. 



them. The number of fleshy species is but few, and far less 

 likely to furnish novelty." 



In conclusion, we may urge upon all those who have followed 

 us thus far to adopt this branch of botany as their speciality. 

 Hitherto it has been very much neglected, and a wide field is 

 open for investigation and research. The life-history of the 

 majority of species has still to be read, and the prospects of new 

 discoveries for the industrious and persevering student are great. 

 All who have as yet devoted themselves with assiduity have been 

 in this manner rewarded. The objects are easily obtainable, and 

 there is a constantly increasing infatuation in the study. Where 

 so much is unknown, not a few difficulties have to be encoun- 

 tered, and here the race is not to the swift so much as to the 

 untiring. May our efforts to supply this introduction to the 

 study receive their most welcome reward in an accession to the 

 number of the students and investigators of the nature, uses, 

 and influences of fungi. 



