Agaric (Plate XXIV.). On taking up one of these plants (or rather one of their fructifying organs, for the plant itself is concealed under the soil in the form of Mycelium) we see a convex expansion called the pileus or cap, supported by the stipes or stem, which itself rises out of the volva or wrapper, a tough membrane, which at one time enclosed the entire organism, but through which the pileus and stipes have forced their way, leaving only a fragmentary cup behind. The pileus, in fact, is a thick leathery roof, concealing and at the same time affording protection to the hymenium or reproductive organs; and, on turning the pileus over, we see that the hymenium is divided into numerous plates, the lamellæ or gills, radiating from the centre to the external border. Further investigations under the microscope reveal the fact, that these lamellæ are receptacles containing the sporules, the germs of the future Agarics. Perhaps it will simplify the matter to some of my readers if I add, that the pileus with its accompanying hymenium forms the edible portion of the common mushroom, the stipes usually going to form that useful sauce, catsup.' What are termed 'button mushrooms' are the young plants still imprisoned within the volva, or which have but just burst through its membranous coat.-ED.]

In the first place, longitudinal sections must be made, traversing the whole organism, from the top of the pileus to the base of the stipes. To effect this, the operator takes a very sharp knife, or better still a razor, and with a firm hand makes a bold cut from above downwards right through the plant. This he repeats three or four times, so as to obtain successively several laminæ, each about two lines thick, presenting a kind of diagram of the different parts. These should be at once placed under the press. The quicker the operation of drying is performed, the finer will be the appearance of the preparation, and the better will the natural colouring be retained. This may be forwarded by frequently changing the paper, and by warming it before laying it on the object.

Of the two halves remaining over and above the portions cut away, the operator should separate the stem from the cap, and scoop out a large proportion of the hymenium, so as to leave the pileus entire with a certain amount of fleshy matter adhering to it. It might be better, perhaps, to remove the whole of the internal substance; but, in that case, the preparation would have a bad appearance, from being too transparent after it was dried. The remains of the stipes must be similarly treated; that is to say, a large portion of its interior must be removed, and then the fragments thus prepared are ready for the press. As soon as

the pieces are all perfectly dry, one of the stems must be gummed or glued on white paper, and at its upper end one of the halves of the pileus fixed in like manner, so as to get, in fact, a more or less characteristic representation of the original plant. Where there is an abundance of specimens, the collector need not be so particular about preserving the two halves that have been already cut through. It is better indeed to dry the whole of a pileus, having first scooped out the greater part of the hymenium previous to fastening it on paper. When drying and gumming down the longitudinal section, pains must be taken not to disturb the arrangement of the lamella and their relation to the stipes.

The foregoing applies particularly to the very large fleshy Agarics. Those of a medium size may be simply divided through the centre of the cap and stem, and each half pressed and dried. The preparation is not very elegant, but gives satisfactory results from a scientific point of view. The smaller species, such as the Marasmii, Collybii, &c., require no special preparation beyond suspending them for some hours in a current of air (but not in the sun) until they have lost a portion of their contained fluids, and feel flabby and loose to the touch. They may then be submitted to the press as usual.

I should perhaps have mentioned before, when speaking of the very fleshy kinds, that all Fungi of a soft nature, like Mushrooms and Toadstools, should be hung up in the air

for at least twelve hours before being operated on. The work itself is rendered much easier, and there is less chance of the delicate parts being mangled.

Small coriaceous Fungi (the Polypori, Thelephoræ, &c.) must not be weighted too severely. There are some kinds of Fungi, which are as hard as wood; from such thin sections may be taken in various directions, and put away at once. Several species belonging to the genera Peziza, Hirneola, &c., are of a totally different consistency, being strictly gelatinous. These will partially recover their original form and appearance on being moistened, long after they have been deposited in the herbarium.

As a final process, subsequent to the pressure and drying, every portion of the Fungi-of the leathery and fleshy kinds, I mean-must be impregnated with corrosive sublimate, to save them from the attacks of insects. But with regard to this I will speak more freely when treating of the herbarium, and the best method of preserving its contents uninjured.

However well prepared, dried Fungi, especially the pileate group, are very difficult of determination. If, therefore, from want of time or leisure, the student is unable to submit his freshly gathered examples to a rigid examination, he should at least assist his memory by making a note of such characteristics as come under his eye before the plants are dried. The main points to observe are these the colour of the stem and of the upper surface of the pileus; consistency of the fleshy substance, whether hard and brittle, tough and gelatinous, soft and spongy, &c.; the odour emitted, of garlic, of violet, of putrid flesh, &c.; the presence or absence of a milky fluid when fragments are broken off; and, lastly, the changes of colour, which take place when the plant is freshly cut. For a more scientific diagnosis it is necessary to ascertain, what relation the reproductive parts hold to the general structure of the organism; whether, for instance, the spores are imbedded in lamella (as with the Agarics), are borne in tubes on the lower