THE MOSSES, FUNGI, AND LICHENS. 



318 



the nearest wheat field where the sicklier heads, 

 covered with the black powder called " smut," will 

 afford yon microscopic fungi in abundance. The 



Fig. 253. 



Ncstcx: commune, nat. size. 

 Fig. 254. 



Nostoc commune, X 320, showing bead-like Cells 



study of these minute but interesting forms of 

 vegetation is more fascinating than people suppose 

 for many of them are among the most beautiful and 

 elegant forms seen with optical assistance. Such 



