Suggestions for Lichen Studies. 255 



SUGGESTIONS FOR LICHEN STUDIES. 

 By Albert W. C. T. Herre. 



To say one is studying lichens is a rather ambiguous state- 

 ment, as indeed such a remark would be regarding any large group 

 of plants. But, generally speaking, the study of lichens has 

 meant in America investigation from the taxonomic side only, 

 though there have been a few brilliant examples to the contiary. 

 As a matter of fact, this remarkable assemblage of plants (which, 

 so far as the United States is concerned, we may place under 

 the Ascomycetous fungi) offers the widest possible field to the 

 young botanist, whether he wishes to study physiological, 

 morphological, taxonomic, or ecological problems. 



Owing to the inaccessibility and scattered nature of much 

 of the literature, it is exceedingly difficult for the beginner to 

 make a start in lichenology, especially if he wishes to name and 

 classify his material. And this is necessary, for along with the 

 study of physiological problems should go an exact knowledge 

 of the forms handled, while it is even more important in ecologi- 

 cal and morphological studies. Too often the results of experi- 

 ments or observations can not be duplicated or verified because 

 of the original author's uncertain identification of material. 

 Sometimes, of course, this is of no consequence, but very often 

 it makes an enormous difference as to the species used. 



In the case of lichens, the only North American lichen flora 

 is Tuckerman's incomplete Synopsis, which is helped out very 

 much by his Genera Lichenum. But Tuckerman's books are 

 among the rarest of all botanical literature, the Synopsis now 

 selling at $25, on the few occasions that a copy is in the market. 

 This makes it very difficult for the beginner to identify his plants . 

 For the lichens of the eastern United States the forthcoming 

 work by Fink, on Minnesota lichens, will be a great help, while 

 the writer's works now ready for publication will cover most of 

 the western lichens. But the best thing for a beginner to do is 

 to have at least a part of his collection identified by a competent 

 person, and then obtain, either by purchase or exchange, a set 

 of correctly determined lichens to use for a standard of com- 

 parison. 



The author believes that one very valuable field for the 

 earnest worker, and one as yet but little cultivated, is the publi- 



