; 
PY 
Fowler: Mycology in its Popular Aspect. 319 
plant is a Geranium, and that a Veronica, so you will soon be 
able to say, this fungus is a Mycena, and that a Panzolus. 
Then, turning to the genus, you will see to which division it 
belongs, and then with what species of that division it most 
nearly agrees. There is far greater pleasure in finding out for 
yourself what any species is, than in being told what it is if 
Someone else; beside, you learn in the search far more abou 
it 
Some species are much more nearly connected than others), but 
careful observation, patience, and perseverance will overcome 
most of them, and every difficulty overcome is a source of 
. pleasure. 
I have tried to show that in the study of ‘these wretched 
things’ (as I have heard them called), there is much interest, 
and less difficulty than is supposed, and if I have in any measure 
Succeeded, I shall be well satisfied. Especially pleased I shall 
e if, in consequence of what has been said, some of the 
Jounger members of our Union should take up the study, and 
find in it the interest and pleasure I have myself found. The 
Pleasure does not consist in merely finding out the names of 
fungi, but in considering their habitats, their structure, their 
Stowth, their distribution, their variations, their uses, or, 
seases caused by them. Still, if we read that 
me 
ct 
ucctnia malvacearum destroys hollyhocks, our interest 
is greatly increased if we know these species when we see 
them, and perceive the reasons why they are thus useful or 
destructive. Mycology in its popular aspect is not devoid of 
interest and er dene but that interest and pleasure are greatly 
enhanced, when we proceed to take a survey of it in its scientific 
aspect, and familiarise ourselves with those minute points of 
agreement or difference, which have such a charm for those who 
I 
recorded, others are constantly being discovered; and, with 
a larger band of enthusiastic workers, not only would many 
additional species be added to the list, but more would be 
learned with regard to their structure, and life history and 
classification. As you will see from the drawings and specimens 
of microscopic fungi on the table, there is a multitude of species 
Which do not catch the popular eye, but which are found by 
those who know where to look for them, and which reveal the — 
Wisdom of Him, who, as has been well said, is ‘maximus in 
_Minimis,’ ' 
October 1898. ae, 
