382 FREAKS OF PLANT LIFE. 



it will be the necessary accompaniment of decompo- 

 sition. 



Dutrochet examined growing fungi of five species, 

 and found in all a slight elevation of temperature, 

 but in none so much as one degree, and in some not 

 one fifth of a degree. Probably the most favourable 

 period was not selected, at least the subject requires 

 further investigation Dr. McNab has also recorded 

 his observations on Lycoperdon giganteum, but in this 

 instance the rise was not so much as would have 

 been expected, although in excess of the amount 

 determined by Dutrochet. It can hardly be sup- 

 posed that so large a mass, undergoing rapid 

 chemical change, does not exceed about one degree 

 per cent, in rise of temperature. 



