104 
THE DUAL-LICHEN HYPOTHESIS. 
In the following observations the words “ Lichens” and “ Fungi” 
are used in the sense in which they are used and applied by 
Lichenologists and Mycologists. They represent two large groups 
of cryptogamic plants, holding close relationship to each other, but 
sufficiently distinct to be recognised by practical men, as amongst 
insects the Diptera are recognised from the Hymenoptera. 
Whether we call them orders, or sub-orders, it matters not, 
we group them together for purposes of study into species, genera, 
families, &c. — mere arbitrary distinctions. Perhaps in nature there 
may be no such things, nothing more than individuals. 
The lichenologist studies lichens, and groups them in a certain 
way, upon a definite plan, for the purposes of his study. 
The mycologist does the same with Fungi. Each strives to 
comprehend his own particular group, and from the years of un- 
ceasing labour which many devote to the study they acquire a large 
amount of experience, which is their knowledge. 
Whether a certain plant or series of plants — call them species or 
genera, or even families — belongto Fungi or Lichens these specialists 
have always been considered competent to judge for themselves, 
upon the principle that those who possess the largest amount of 
experience, and consequently of practical knowledge, upon these 
subjects, are best able to judge of their relationships and affinities. 
But, on the principle, I presume, that — 
Some people must see their own farthing dip shine, 
Though they stick it right under a gunpowder mine, 
certain of those who may be termed “ all round men,” who 
study all things in general, and nothing in particular, have pro- 
pounded a theory to account for certain phenomena which are 
puzzles to themselves, although not very mysterious to those in 
the habit of contemplating them. 
Setting aside this preliminary assumption of superior knowledge 
on purely technical points, which the dualists assume, it must be 
conceded that if the hypothesis is proved sound, the specialists 
must accept it, from whatever source it originated, but if unsound, 
and incapable of standing the tests which may be applied to it by 
the Cryptogamists, not all the advocacy of the promoters, or the 
adherence of the most esteemed and talented men of science in 
other departments of Botany will compel the Cryptogamists to 
accept and apply a theory which is to them unsound and contrary 
to their experience and judgment. 
Some general objections to the hypothesis will afford evidence 
that there is still a broad space between the theorists and some of 
their opponents. 
Are Lichens Autonomous Plants ? Is it, or is it not, possible 
from the structure or the development of a plant to predicate with 
tolerable certainty whether that plant is within itself a perfect or 
complete plant or not ? If we sow a seed under favourable con- 
ditions, preserving it from all external influences, and that seed 
germinates, produces a root, a stem, ultimately leaves, the flowers, 
