214 FUNGI. 
Hallier, but when it was shown that no such fungus was found 
on rice, this phase of the theory collapsed. Special and compe- 
tent experts were sent from this country to examine the prepara- 
tions and hear the explanations of Dr. Hallier on his theory of 
cholera contagion, but they were neither convinced nor satisfied. 
As long ago as 1853, Dr. Lander Lindsay examined and 
reported on cholera cvacuations, and in 1856 he declared—‘ It 
will be evident that I can see no satisfactory groundwork for 
the fungus theory of cholera, which Iam not a little surprised 
to find still possesses powerful advocates.’ * And of the exam- 
inations undertaken by him he writes:—‘‘ The mycelium and 
sporules of various species of fungi, constituting various forms 
of vegetable mould, were found in the scum of the vomit, as 
well as of the stools, but only at some stage of decomposition. 
They are found, however, under similar circumstances, in the 
vomit and stools of other diseases, and, indeed, in all decom- 
posing animal fluids, and they are therefore far from peculiar to 
cholera.” 
Some writers have held that the atmosphere is often highly 
charged with fungi spores, others have denied the presence of 
organic bodies to any extent in the air. The experiments con- 
ducted in India by Dr Cunningham ¢ have been convincing 
enough on this point. This report states that spores and similar 
cells were of constant occurrence, and were generally present in 
considerable numbers. That the majority of the cells were living 
and ready to undergo development on meeting with suitable 
conditions was very manifest, as in those cases in which prepa- 
rations were retained under observation for any length of time, 
germination rapidly took place in many of the cells; indeed, 
many spores already germinating were deposited on the slides. 
In few instances did any developmeut take place beyond the 
* Dr. Lauder Lindsay, ‘¢On Microscopical and Clinical Characters of Cholera 
Evacuations,” reprinted from ‘‘ Edinburgh Medical Journal,’ February and 
March, 1856 ; also ‘‘ Clinical Notes on Cholera,” by W. Lauder Lindsay, M.D., 
F.L.S., in ‘‘ Association Medical Journal” for April 14, 1854. 
+ ‘* Microscopic Examinations of Air,” from the ‘‘ Ninth Annual Report of the 
Sanitary Commissioner,’ Calcutta, 1872. 
