Intelligence, and Miscellanies. 177 



4. Observations on the boletus igniarius, shczving its anal- 

 ogy to animal substances in closing its severed parts; by 

 Professor Eaton. 



to the editor. 



Sir, 



Few persons take the trouble to watch the growth of 

 Cryptogamous plants; therefore, accidental observations, 

 may with propriety be preserved. 



The boletus igniarius, or the commom touch-wood is a 

 very durable fungus. We often observe it full grown and 

 generally several years old; but few persons, I presume, 

 have observed its progress while in the growing state. 



A fungus of this species first appeared, growing from the 

 trunk of a decaying Lombardy poplar, in my yard, about 

 twelve inches from the ground, in July, 1821. During that 

 season, it grew to the extent of four inches in diameter. 

 Last June it commenced growing again ; and about the first 

 of September following, it was fifteen inches in diameter, 

 measured across the base of the semi-circle. The first sea- 

 son it approached a globular form; though it presented it- 

 self as an unfinished, rather shapeless mass. Now it has 

 assumed its regular form, and seems to have completed its 

 growth; which, if correct, proves it to be a biennial plant. 



The most remarkable fact observed in the growth of this 

 fungus was its flesh-like property, manifested when parts 

 were severed. A deep gash was cut in its periphery in Au- 

 gust; and the severed parts shortly afterwards united, by the 

 process which surgeons denominate first intension. A 

 piece was broken from another part, in the same month ; 

 and after lying on the ground two days; it was joined on 

 again. The piece united, as in the case of the incision be- 

 fore mentioned, and continued to grow with the other parts 

 of the fungus. Now there is not even a cicatrice nor any 

 ether evidence left of the incision or of the fracture, 



Troy, Dec. 15th, 1822. 



Vol. VL...N0. 1, 25! 



