A TEXT-BOOK OF FUNGI 481 
to describe. For example, we should hardly think of ae for 
Knotted Figwort in the group with ‘dull greenish” flowers, nor 
for a characteristically. coloured specimen of Knot-grass, e.g. Poly : 
gonum rurivagum, under ‘greenish white and pink,” though i 
doubt the average colour of P. aviculare (which of course is not 
split into its segregates) is as described by the author 
Notwithstanding these criticisms, we strongly recom mmend the 
book. As the author says in his preface, ‘it endeavours to avoid 
qually the d 
ephemeral almost futile method on the other.” The way in which 
attention is drawn to the prominent characteristics of each species 
is decidedly clever, and though of course a few indispensable 
the species under their proper orders, with a short description of 
each division, order, and genus, the earliest dates of flowering, and 
@ range or distribution of the species. We cannot see that the 
author explains the meaning of the numbers after the name of each 
species in Part II. ; they are evidently — - London Catalogue 
ninth edition. Here and there we egies that the author has 
counties than exist! But this is _ an unimportant error, and the 
work has much to recommend it kW: 
A Text-book of Fungi, including Morphology, Physiology, Pathology, 
7 RGE Massez. Pp. xi and 427; 
» de. y GEO 
141 go Price 6s. London: Duckworth & Co. 1906. 
ology were needed for issuing, at the present day, a 
text- fer dh Fungi, Mr. Massee has supplied one in the statement 
that meets us in the forefront of the volume: ‘‘ A knowledge of the 
structure and life-history of the fungi is now required of those who 
seek a degree or diploma in agriculture and forestry in the univer- 
sities and colleges. The present volume is arranged as a text-book 
for educational use, and it is written on the lines s requir 
u 
its welcome. Fungi are not an cae group of ante they are 
ways necessarily in intimate association with other members of 
re bi teenie big Pl either as Ppasiaites on living plants, or as 
prophytes on plant remains, timber, &c. All therefore who 
adaite to abiay practical or applied botany, whether as gardeners, 
agriculturists, or foresters, must add to this knowledge an acquaint- 
ungi. 
The subject, under Mr. Massee’s treatment, follows the outlines 
he has laid down in his title-page. First he treats of the morpho- 
logy and physiology of the group; then of their parasitism, which 
comes under the section headed Pathology ; and, finally, a survey 
