16 REVIEW: BRITISH FUNGUS FLORA. 
The Order Pilacrez with its single genus of two species, hitherto 
classed with the Hyphomycetes, is doubtless rightly placed, as a 
connecting link between the Gastromycetes and Hymenomycetes. 
A good account is next given of the structure and chief characteristics 
of Hymenomycetous fungi, after which follow descriptions of the 
families and species. In previous works it has been the custom to 
commence this group with the highest-developed species and proceed 
downwards, but Mr. Massee does not always believe in following 
a beaten track, and has preferred to begin with the lowest forms, 
Tremellineze. We do not, however, see any advantage in the change. 
Much labour has been bestowed upon the family Thelephorez, and 
several new genera have been created. It is evident that the author 
has been at a loss what names to adopt for these new genera, and in 
our opinion it would be quite as easy to select a characteristic name 
both for genera and species, rather than after individuals. 
In the Polypore the dividing of Fo/yforus into four genera is a 
welcome innovation, and will prove useful to the student. Turning to 
Agaricineze—the black- and purple-spored sections of which occupy 
the remainder of the volume— opinions will differ as to the advisability 
of elevating all the sub-genera to the rank of genera. Mr. Massee’s 
idea is that more good than harm will be effected by the change. The 
blackish-spored section (Melanospore), include Aned/aria, a small and 
well-marked genus split from Pancéolus, and Gomphidius—which is 
placed here ‘purely on technical grounds’—together with a 
Paneolus, and Psathyrelia. In the purple-spored section (Porph 
spore), the name pests is applied to the hitherto sub-genus Psalliota 
The student will no doubt soon familiarise himself with the 
alterations, which hoe es made for his benefit. An especial 
feature in this volume is the excellent manner in which the 
descriptions of species have been drawn up. In addition to the 
original description, which in some cases is lengthy, notes from other 
authorities are given, together with those of the author, in fact. 
Mr. Massee takes the student as it were by the hand and does nearly 
all for him except the collecting. The small drawings illustrating more 
than a hundred species, are a valuable accompaniment to the text. 
We have already had an opportunity heed putting the work practically 
to the test, and it fulfils its purpose extreme ly well. And we have not 
the slightest hesitation in saying that it should be in the hands of 
every student, <—* - — shelves of every naturalist’s ‘brary wile work 
ofreference. Ali 
which, we trust, will not be long delayed—will perhaps prevent 
rinter’s errors, which, although few in number, here and there have 
slipped through. HT. Ss: 
Naturalist, 
