INTRODUCTION. 



basis whereupon to found our plea for the study of Lichen - 

 ology. A passing glance would, we are convinced, demon- 

 strate to the most superficial observer, — 



*' That not alone in trees and flowers 

 The spirit bright of beauty dwells ; 

 That not alone in lofty bowers 

 The mighty hand of God is seen ; 

 But more triumphant still in things men count as mean." 



One of the most celebrated of recent continental licheno- 

 logists, Schserer, has appended to his latest work the follow- 

 ing expressive quotation from Cicero :— 



" II mc stadia adolescentiam alunt, senectutem oblectant." 

 " These studies invigorate youth and solace old-age," 



The study of the simplest forms of vegetable organization 

 should naturally form a prelude to, or foundation for, the 

 examination of plants having a more complex structure and 

 higher position in the scale of being. It is moreover emi- 

 nently calculated to lead to the acquisition of habits of mi- 

 nute observation and patient research, — of an accurate sift- 

 ing and noting of facts, — than which nothing is more valu- 

 able, not only to the student of Natural History, but to the 

 educated of all classes of our community. And, lastly, it 

 could scarcely fail to create or intensify a love of the beau- 



