WORK IN THE FIELD AMONGST THE FUNGI. 11
same species, I want the evidence as to the cause of the
difference.
Then again there are species (so-called) of Lactarius, respec-
tively camphoratus, cimicarius, and subumbonatus, which I will not
discuss, but I should like to see them compared and their
differences put to the test, so that we may be certain that they
only vary in submission to external circumstances.
There is another anomaly I want cleared up. There is a
tawny Russula called Russula faetens, usually with a strong foetid
odour, which justifies the name. But I have found the same
species, to all external appearances, but without the foetid odour,
and on the contrary pleasant, and rather fragrant. No doubt
can rest upon the determination, because the size, colour, and
peculiar striation of the margin of the pileus are characteristic.
Who will solve the enigma.
I could go on for nearly an hour, with similar puzzles, but I
have said enough to show that there is work for the future, in
other directions beside the multiplication of species, even amongst
the larger fungi.
But there is another field for work in the future which I would
urge upon your notice. If you were to read the reports which
have come over to this country during the past few years from
America and the antipodes, as well as the complaints from
our own fields and orchards, you would realize the enor-
mous losses, not only in thousands, but in millions
of pounds sterling every year by the destruction of
crops by the incursions of insects and parasitic fungi. The
determination of what Agarics are good to eat, and what to
avoid, may appeal to the stomach, but this devastation by
microscopic fungi appeals to the pocket, and that is a very
strong appeal. The man who will thoroughly investigate the
life history of one of these pests, and show how it may be success-
fully encountered and beaten, will be a benefactor to his race,
and an ornament to his country. It may mean work, and
plenty of it, but it will bring its own reward. I do not think that
there ever has been a time when the fruit grower, the gardener,
the practical horticulturist, and all concerned in the growth of
flowers, fruits, vegetables, cereals, and even forest trees, were
more anxious to secure the assistance and co-operation of the
practical microscopist and vegetable pathologist than at the