

1891.] The Comparative Morphology of the Fungi. 1069 
Such in outline are the results to which Prof. Brefeld has been 
- led by the long and careful study of a remarkably large number 
of fungi of all groups and in all stages, with the assistance of the 
most elaborate and precise culture methods yet devised. In all 
his work he has had the help of trained assistants, and in that 
on Ascomycetes has had also the collaboration of Dr. Franz von 
Tavel, of Berne, whose previous researches on the development 
of the Pyrenomycetes are well known. One need not accept these 
conclusions in all their details in order to recognize the fact that 
they are the result of the application of a keen morphological 
insight to a much wider and fuller series of observations than has 
been at the command of any previous writer. We may regret 
that the author finds it necessary to introduce so much of a per- 
sonal and polemic nature into some of his discussions, especially 
that concerning the sexuality of the Ascomycetes, or to treat so 
unceremoniously his former master, DeBary, and others of that 
school who have antagonized and criticised his views; yet it must 
be remembered that the provocation has sometimes been very 
great. ` 
But, after all is said, we have in this characteristic work of a 
remarkable man a series of memoirs which must always remain 
classic and a prime authority for the student of the morphology 
of the fungi, both as the record of a great number of new facts, 
and as the first statement of a new and consistent comparative 
morphology. 
Amherst, Mass. 

