1883-1884.] 241 



called, at which the business of the day was announced, and a 

 prize offered for the best collection of Fungi made on the 

 excursion. Spreading to right and left of the road, a vigorous 

 search was at once instituted, finds of large or rare specimens 

 being frequently announced, and collecting was pushed on 

 vigorously in brake and open. Decaying branches among the 

 underwood, the wreck of past storms, were specially examined 

 for such species as find on them a suitable habitat. A short 

 examination soon proved that there was no lack of specimens, 

 and it was at the same time evident that considerable discretion 

 would have to be exercised in collecting. The ordinary vas- 

 culum being inadequate to the frequent demands on its contain- 

 ing powers, baskets were piled up, and many of the larger 

 specimens which had at first been gathered rather freely had to be 

 abandoned to make way for new discoveries. Some members — 

 apparently in partnership, and possibly with a view to overawe 

 the judge by bulk — converting their otherwise useless water- 

 proofs into collecting bags, went gaily on with their work. A 

 short halt was made where rustic steps lead to an ancient fort. 

 The attractive seat round the trunk of a venerable tree in its 

 centre, and the unmistakeable calls of the inner man, suggested 

 luncheon. It was surprising, however, how little confidence 

 the members had yet gained in their powers of discriminating 

 between the edible and poisonous species in their collections, or 

 possibly it was their anxiety to reserve their specimens in view 

 of the prize. Be the reason what it might, Fungi formed no 

 part of the luncheons, and even the suggestion to try " a likely 

 one" met with scant favour. Before proceeding further a 

 group was formed, and a photograph of the party, with a rich 

 background of forest and fern bank, was taken. Continuing 

 the search, and somewhat more rapidly, no further halt was 

 made till reaching the old castle on the shores of the lake. 

 Here some further time was spent in photography, after which 

 the business meeting was held and a new member elected. 

 The collections made during the day were now arranged, when 

 it was found that eleven members had entered the contest for 



