66 VEGETABLE PARASITES 



The structure of the spores is very simple. AH 

 present a cell without a nucleus, unless the brown 

 or yellowish spot on them can be considered as 

 such. The cellulose walls are thin, but firm and 

 resisting. 



If, now, the reader has had the patience to come 

 so far with us, he has learned that there are 

 minute microscopic seeds of fungi scattered broad- 

 cast in the earth, water, and air, and that they can 

 insinuate themselves into the skin and its appen- 

 dages, the nails and hair. When they have thus 

 planted themselves and germinated, they prevent 

 the hair's proper growth and condition, discolor 

 the skin, gather in tubercular masses upon it, 

 cause peculiar eruptions, and are accompanied by 

 sometimes excessive itching. All this simulates 

 other cutaneous affections of a non-parasitic 

 origin. 



We will grant that except the loss of hair, and 

 occasional loathsome appearances produced by the 

 presence of these vegetable parasites, they are not 

 to be feared or regarded with any special horror, 

 certainly not with the extreme disgust the animal 

 parasites involuntarily create. Why, then, is it 

 so necessary for physicians to be familiar with the 



