POLYMORPHIC IIJNGrl. 
oo 
spring on onr damp wall. What presumption have we that 
they belong’ to one and the same fungus — direct evidence there 
is none — or should they be regarded each as autonomous ? We 
have already intimated the difficulties which beset all attempts 
to obtain positive evidence in such cases. Already too many 
theories have been based on or supported by supposed results 
from the cultivation of fungi spores. Many ridiculous assertions 
have been made by those who have thus exhibited their 
thorough ignorance of even generic distinctions, to say nothing 
of more complex relations in mycologic science. Still we are 
by no means prepared to doubt that many of the recorded cases 
of polymorphism will ultimately be proved to be fact, and that 
many more will yet be discovered. We would admit that it is 
possible that none of the species, now included in the two great 
families of Coniomycetes and Hyphomycetes are autonomous. 
But, because it is possible, it by no means follows that we are 
prepared to condemn them by wholesale, or to admit that 
there is at present any evidence for doubting the autonomy of 
some entire genera. In the present condition of the study, 
and in the face of some startling facts, it is important that all 
observations should be recorded which bear upon the subject 
of polymorphism, whilst great care ought to be exercised in 
the declaration of positive judgment. 
Reviewing the instances of association above recorded, and 
we should prefer, for the present, calling them association 
only, the mind naturally reverts to other and similar recorded 
instances. Supposing the whole of the four forms described 
above to be conditions of Sphceria cyclospora, there is no 
greater faith needed to believe it true than in the case of 
Sphceria herbarum. If Alternaria tenuis is really a condition 
of a Sphceria , why not Alternaria chartarum ? If Alternaria 
be associated with Cladosporium, why not with Penicillium ? 
Or if Sporidesmium epochnum, why not Sporidesmium poly- 
morphum ? And as for Rhinotrichum and Penicillium, it is 
just as possible for these to be polymorphic, as for Dactylium , 
Dendryphium , and Verticillium. When the presumption is 
confirmed by repetition, and more positive relations, there can 
be no doubt of a much more ready acceptance of their polymor- 
phism than there would have been prior to the investigations 
of the Messrs. Tulasne and De Bary. 
In this communication our remarks have related more parti- 
cularly to the moulds, since attention has of late been directed 
to them in consequence of the supposed discoveries of certain 
German theorisers. It requires no little patience to compre- 
hend the relations of Aerospores, Schizosporangia, Anaerospores, 
Aeroconidia, Thecaconidia, Anaeroconidia, and similar novelties, 
or to relish philosophy like the following recent importation : — 
VOL. X. NO. XXXVIII. D 
