7U OUTLIXKS OF BKITISII FUNGOLOGY. 



diate influence is greater than has been generally suspected. 

 Dr. Lowe has induced skin-diseases by inoculation with the 

 granules of yeast, and he is inclined to attribute a great deal 

 more to the agency of Fungi than has hitherto been allowed.* 

 An exact knowledge of their influence, whether externally or 

 internally, meanwhile, is producing a better mode of treat- 

 ment, such salts being administered with good effect as are 

 fatal to fungal growth. 



Fungi, perhaps, are more destructive to insects than to 

 other members of the animal kingdom. Several species of 

 the genus Cordiceps, as (Plate 23, fig. 4, 5) C. militaris and 

 cntomorrhiza, attack insects in the pupa or larva state, and, 

 as it should seem, while they are still living. The insect- 

 plant of New Zealand, Avhich is so often brought home by 

 travellers, is a familiar example. One species, indeed, in the 

 West Indies, is developed on a perfect wasp, which flies about 

 with it, till it is weighed down by its Sindbad, and dies. The 

 fact was stated many years ago, and obtained but little cre- 

 dence ; but I am assured by one mIio has had an opportunity 

 of ascertaining the real state of the case, that it is strictly 

 true. Silkworms suffer from a disease called Muscardine, 

 {"rora its converting them into a hard substance resembling a 

 l)articular kind of pastile, and at the time of their death have 

 their tissues completely traversed by the spawn of a Botrytis. 

 A few spores placed lightly on the skin arc sufficient to pro- 

 pagate the disease. Bees also, it is believed, occasionally die 

 from a similar cause, but this requires confirmation. 



It would be easy to multiply instances, were it necessary, 

 but these are sufficient for my purpose. The diseases pro- 

 duced by Fungi amongst vegetables are far more formidable 

 from the injury they cause in those plants which supply the 

 * See ' Lancet,' Sept. 17, 185U. 



