all 
Wager: The Study of Fungi. 353 
basis of regional areas. This is one direction in which most use- 
ful work might be done. If the numerous societies would 
collaborate in a well-organised survey of our Fungus Flora, it 
seems to me that a most valuable list might be produced, and 
material obtained for the elucidation of many important 
ecological and biological problems. But we want more informa- 
tion than is contained in Watson’s ‘ Topographical Botany.’ 
If possible, notes should be made for each species, of its habitat, 
the nature of the soil, the geological formation, whether the 
species is parasitic or saprophytic, whether found regularly 
every year or sporadic only, whether it is a seasonal. form or 
found throughout the year, whether associated constantly 
with other fungi or with definite plants or plant associations, 
or independent of these. Such observations as these might be 
undertaken by the various societies and sent to a Central 
Committee consisting of mycologists in various departments, 
to be tabulated and arranged. Just as the rainfall records are 
taken by the observers all over the country and sent to the 
British Rainfall Association, so systematic observations on the 
occurrence and distribution of the fungi, carried out on a 
definite plan, in accordance with rules drawn up by a Committee 
of the leading mycologists, might lead to extremely important 
results, and to the publication of charts and lists of great 
value. 
There is ample scope for members of Natural History 
Societies in the study of the Micro-Fungi and their life his- 
tories, and much remains to be done among those imperfect 
forms which are probably only stages in the life cycle of a single 
species, which are frequently regarded as distinct forms. The 
life histories of many of the species of Uredineae, for example, 
have been successfully worked out by members of local societies. 
The importance of examining Fungi in their natural sur- 
roundings cannot be over-estimated. If we are to obtain 
solutions of some of the most interesting problems concerning 
them, they must be studied as living organisms, and under 
all sorts of conditions. Observations on their form and struc- 
ture must be made in order to throw light on their life history, 
and the relations of the various forms to one another, and not 
merely from the point of view of classification. As far as 
possible, they must be studied under the conditions of ex- 
perimental investigation. But good systematic work is 
necessary for the elucidation of biological problems, and may 
prevent, to some extent, vagueness and aimlessness in their 
investigation. These are frequently the faults of over 
imagination and speculation, just as dullness and boredom are 
frequently the results of over much systematic work in which 
no attention is paid to the deeper problems of life and develop- 
ment. 
1911 Oct. Tr. 
