THELEPHOREI. 
97 
by means of which some of the larger genera may be reduced 
to working order. No inconsiderable portion of this monograph 
is already in type, and the residue ready for press at the shortest 
notice. When this appears we may probably embrace the 
opportunity to revert to the subject, and advance our opinion on 
the various modifications adopted. Without the aid of authentic 
specimens it is almost impossible in some cases to determine with 
exactitude the species of old authors, which depend entirely 
upon a short description drawn up from the external appear- 
ance. What hundreds of specimens have had to be examined 
in the course of these researches must be left to the imagina- 
tion, and it is to be hoped that the results will be accepted with 
that appreciation which so much arduous and honest labour 
deserves. It would be too much to expect that any first effort 
of this kind should be absolutely perfect, but we may be sure 
that it will mark a step in advance, and render a difficult 
branch of the study more easy of comprehension. 
Let anyone make the experiment for himself by consulting a 
large herbarium, in which, perhaps, some common species is 
represented by 50 or 100 specimens from various localities, 
determined, it may be, by several different individuals. Exter- 
nally, it is true that they may bear a general resemblance the 
one to the other, but, when more minutely examined, it will be 
discovered that several different types of structure, or of 
fructification, all bear the same name. In such a case what is 
to determine the true species ? Undoubtedly some authentic 
specimen of the original type, if it can be procured ; but if not, 
then the form most generally accepted by mycologists of repute, 
or who were known to be in communication with the original 
author. It may be contended that even the original author, not 
having employed the microscope, may have issued specimens 
under the same name which are not identical. This has been 
done in the Sphceriacei, and may also occur in this group. In 
such a case the one which accords most closely with the descrip- 
tion should be adopted, and accepted, supplemented with such 
details as may prevent a similar error in the future. 
The advent of a monograph of the Thelephorei will, there- 
fore, be anticipated with pleasure, and it is to be hoped that in 
a few weeks the first portion will be in the hands of all in- 
terested parties. 
Fungus Forays, 1889. — Hitherto arrangements for the annual 
Forays are incomplete. Of course the Woolhope Club will 
occupy as usual the first week in October. The Hampshire 
Field Club have intimated their intention of continuing the 
precedent of the past two years, and there will be excursions in 
Epping Forest. 
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