THE
ESSEX NATURALIST:
BEING THE
Journal of the Essex Field Club
FOR 1897 AND 1898.
(VOLUME X.)
THE ESSEX FUNGI AND HOW THEY SHOULD
BE REPRESENTED IN THE EPPING FOREST
MUSEUM.
By M. C. COOKE, M.A., LL.D., A.L.S., Sc.
[Read November 21st, 1896.]
NOW that an Essex Museum at Chingford is an accomplished
fact, it is a feasible subject for enquiry, what is to be done
and what can be done in connection with it for the Botany of the
Forest District. Indeed, this was the first suggestion which occurred
to me on my first visit to Queen Elizabeth's Lodge, and it has
recurred several times since. Unfortunately, the answer to such
a question must be modified, so as to come within the limits of
the possible when funds are rigidly limited. I wonder when
funds were not limited in connection with a local museum, for in
my own experience it is the first observation always made in such
Institutions whenever suggestions are offered in favour of
additions or improvements, especially when those suggestions
relate to objects which are not popularly attractive, and are only
acknowledged to be of educational utility. In all museums, even
in our great National Museum, the Botanical portion is relatively
very small, very meagre, and very uninteresting. Even when
great efforts, and good results are manifest, as the consequence of
some abnormal stimulus, in Zoological Departments, there is
seldom a corresponding improvement in the Botanical section.
The "cold-water douche" comes over the ears of the plant
enthusiast in a strain of disparagement. What have you to show
A