clature must keep pace with science, and its higher discriminations require separate technical terms to mark them. Some people cry out against a few strange words in botany, and make it an excuse for neglecting the study; but the real reason is, a lack of interest in the knowledge of Nature, for they are generally ready enough to spend whole years in the acquisition of strange words by the thousand in. foreign languages, living and dead. Scientific terms have an educational value, because they involve and give precision to new ideas, while in acquiring an additional language we are only obtaining new terms for old ideas.
Fig. 1.—Section of Common Mushroom.
Of all the common objects of the country, toadstools seem to be least related to surrounding things. Neither in form, nor color, nor apparent origin, nor distinguishable parts, do they resemble other plants; and scientific scrutiny must replace common observation before the first step in their classification can be taken. At the very outset of study the botanist is struck by their paradoxical character. In rapidity of growth and speedy decay they are more allied to low animal than to vegetal forms. Like animals, they feed upon organic matter. Their substance is rich in nitrogen, has a savory meat-like taste, and when decomposing gives out a strong, cadaverous smell. They absorb oxygen and disengage carbonic acid, and by their avoidance of light they present a striking contrast to the rest of vegetation. Nevertheless, careful observation shows that they consist of parts, and
crested agaric—Agaricus cristatus. 20. Mitral helvela—Helvela mitra. 21. Tuberous agaric—Agaricus tuberosus. 22. False puff-ball—Scleroderma cepa. 23. Large-stemmed peziza—Peziza macropus. 24. Green and yellow agaric—Agaricus psittacinus. 25. Crisped helvella—Helvella leucophæa. 26. Reticulated peziza—Peziza reticulata. 27. Yellow spathularia—Spathularia favida.
