53 
snowy whiteness of some of the Hygrophort. Abundant objects 
are provided for us, giving rise to the deepest thought. What 
‘s the meaning of the odours of CJlztocybe fragrans, Nolanea 
pisciodora, Mycena pura, or that most pungent and peculiar of 
all the Z7uffle. Through what secret chemistry is it brought 
about? To whom? or to what end are these things of beauty 
and fragrance reserved? There are problems here for the 
acutest and ablest mind to ponder. A person must be indeed 
careless who is not sometimes compelled to ask whence come 
these forms, colours, and odours. So exquisite, yet so frail and 
fleeting. So full of marvel and yet so long unknown ; still too 
little recognized by thousands who tread them underfoot. The 
heart and intellect may profitably expand under such genial in- 
fluences. Their beauty and interest can be no chance endow- 
ment. It is God’s hall mark attesting that the works are His. 
The before-mentioned Emerson says, “ Beauty takes us out of 
surfaces to thinking of the foundation of things,” or, the German 
Goethe, “ the beautiful is the manifestation of the secret laws of 
Nature, but for this appearance had been for ever concealed 
from us.” There is the gratification then to the reverential and 
humble soul that he is lifted by this method of recreation to a 
higher plane. Our knowledge of Fungi, as it increases, will be 
an additional evidence of the manifold wisdom that embraces us. 
While forms come and go they show us something of the in- 
visible energy that surrounds us. We gaze upon the unceasing 
work of our Creator. We bow the knee to gather our speci- 
mens in the presence of the King of Glory. 
Syllabus 1. Close observation necessary—the eye to be 
trained. 
2. Increase of human knowledge, novelty in the 
pursuit. 
3. An open-air recreation—change of scene often 
beneficial to mind and body. 
4. We realize a sense of Divine beauty in a world 
of unnoticed things. 
