FIELD AND FOREST. 63 



salt were mixed with it. This is not an uncommon appearance, asthe 

 mycelium of some fungi assumes the character of a white mould. But 

 this mould extended some distance down, and we investigated to see if 

 there were any young fungi. Upon digging three inches below the 

 surface we found the white mould condensed into several ovate balls, 

 which yielded readily to a pressure between the fingers. We used the 

 pocket lens but could discover no destinct formation of pileus or 

 lamellae ; yet the whole character of the balls gave evidence that they 

 were the earliest stage of the fungus. 



The question then arose whether these oalls were to be developed 

 this season, or to remain and gradually perfect themselves for the 

 next. We marked the spot, and have visited it every second or third 

 day for the past four weeks; but even in those places where the my- 

 celium was not disturbed no new specimens have appeared above 

 ground. It seems that the first crop is all we are to be favored with 

 this year, and we conclude that if those balls were truly the earliest 

 stage of the fungus they must be some time in forming. 



A humid atmosphere or rain brings fungi above ground, and the 

 darker the night the more plentiful the harvest. The cryptogam does 

 not like light; thus those who hunt for mushrooms after a moonlight 

 night get but a small supply. 



A veil of mystery envelops the cryptogamic world, but a glimpse 

 through its folds conveys to the human mind a yet greater convincing 

 proof that the creations of this earth are intended to become revela- 

 tions of the greatness of Omnipotence. The eye of faith beholds in 

 each atom an apocalypse which spans the link between earth and hea- 

 ven. Trees, flowers, ferns, mosses, lichens and fungi, lie before us 

 like so many medals stamped with the signet of God, and before which 

 the mind bows down to worship. Each is a glory bright as those 

 which adorn the arch of Hope in the rain cloud. Each is telling its 

 life history to those who will pause to listen to the story. Each is 

 singing its hymn of love, praise and adoration, and the zephyr whis- 

 pers it above, making the earth like a grand musical instrument 

 touched by the hand of the Master. Intervals of greater or less im- 

 portance — dissonances resolved by charming resolutions, all rising up 

 from one key note, the great incomprehensible God. 



M. E. B. 



