309 
MASSEE’S FUNGUS FLORA. 
British Fungus Flora. | A Classified Text-Book of Mycology. | ey GEORGE 
MAssEE, | Author of ‘ Plant-life,’ ‘The Plant World,’ &c. IV. 
London : George Bell & Sons, York St., Covent Garden, and New York. 1895. 
THE student of mycology never before was in such a happy position, 
so far as the British literature of the subject is concerned, and 
Mr. Massee is again to be saneiabaleeee on producing a work that 
cannot fail to be of the highest value to the working mycologist. 
u as 
‘Berkeley’s Outlines’ and ‘Cooke’s Handbook’—both of which 
served a useful purpose—but of late years a rapid advance has 
been made in the study of fungi, which is evidenced by the several 
volumes of this important work. 
The present volume is devoted to three families of the order 
Ascomycetes, viz., Gymnoascacez, Hysteriacee, and Discomycetes, 
and it is a pleasure to open a book containing such a large amount 
of original work. To the ordinary botanist who is desirous of taking 
up a fresh line of study, this volume is well worth his attention. 
The subject is a fascinating one, and a wide field is open for 
investigation and research. Few persons have any idea of the 
beauty and interest attached to these small fungi, the Discomycetes. 
in particular, piety species of which can easily be found at all 
seasons of the 
The ‘aude to this volume extends to nine pages, in a well- 
written and interesting description of Ascomycetous fungi, in which 
besides giving some useful hints on the examination of species. 
Then follow the descriptions of the various species that come under 
the small families Gymnoascacez and Hysteriacee. The rest of the 
volume—about 450 pages—is devoted to Discomycetes, commencing 
with the lowest forms. Hitherto the only work of importance on 
British Discomycetes was the excellent manual of Mr. W. Phillips. 
(1887), which is brought thoroughly up to date in this volume. 
More than this, Mr. Massee has completely overhauled the 
Discomycetes, and no one in this country was more competent 
for the task, or had more favourable opportunities for carrying out 
ined 
Many cases fas ssenscaly re-written the descriptions. A noticeable 
i Noy, 1895. 
