Page:Journal of botany, British and foreign, Volume 34 (1896).djvu/209

 INTRODUCTION TO THE STUDY OF FUNGI. 187 In the volume before us Dr. Cooke endeavours to supply the student with a text-book which shall serve as an introduction to the study of Fungi from the modern standpoint. As the title indicates, the work is divided into three parts dealing with — (I.) Organography, (II.) Classification, and (HI.) Distribution, respectively. In Part I. the various forms of mycelia are described, and chapters are given upon the carpophore, form of receptacle and varieties of its contents, fertilisation, saprophytism and parasitism, and such other points relating to the general morphology and physiology of Fungi as shall be of importance in enabling the student to understand the systematic part which follows. The treatment of the subject met with in these chapters is least satis- factory, and does not strike us very favourably in some parts. The use of the term ''mycelium," and its plural, "mycelia," in Chapter I. is not always clear, because of the apparently arbitrary manner in which the indefinite and definite articles are used or left out at will. In speaking of the fructification, modern views of the various reproductive bodies are not sufficiently referred to or explained — the term " sporidium" is used for " ascospore," and generally there is a tendency throughout the volume to lean towards the earlier systematist's conceptions. Perhaps there is some excuse for this, as the title of the work states that it is intended •' for the use of collectors." However, as Dr. Cooke specially wishes his collectors to be more than the term implies, it might have been well to extend the title to include students, and worth while to devote a considerable paragraph to the views of others than pure systematists in regard to these bodies. A clear, complete, up-to-date account of the term " spore " and all its modifications would not have been out of place, and would have tended to remove one of the chief stumbling- blocks which confront all beginners. Part II., treating upon the Classification of Fungi, is un- doubtedly good. An introductory chapter on Fungi in general concludes with a summary of the views of Brefeld, and later on the schemes of arrangement adopted by Saccardo are discussed and explained. More detailed accounts of the various families and their subsidiary divisions are given, beginning with the Basidiomycetes, and working down to the simpler forms. Most of these chapters are well done, and, although scarcely suited to the beginner, they cover the whole range of classification in a clear manner, and indicate a wide knowledge and experience in dealing with repre- sentatives of this branch of the vegetable kingdom. The weakest chapter is that upon *' Schizomycetes and Saccharomycetes " ; the mere fact of these groups being thrown together, and the absence of bibliographical reference to the researches of Emil Hansen and his pupils upon the latter, is perhaps sufficient evidence of its incompleteness. An account of geographical distribution, collecting, and a useful glossary, complete the volume. The copious bibliography at the conclusion of each separate chapter is a useful addition in guiding students to further work.