Mycology

That branch of Botany which relates to FUNGI (q.v.). While the larger fungi, as MUSHROOMS (q.v.), puff-balls, and the like, were objects of wonder and superstition from early times, it was not until the compound microscope came to considerable perfection in the present century that Mycology could claim a place as one of the branches of botanical science. Before 1850 the lower cryptogams were little understood. Before that date the brothers Tulasne published their studies of rusts and smuts, followed 1853 by the ergot of rye. On the appearance of their Selecta Fungorum Carpologia, 1861-65, Mycology was soon recognized as an attractive field for students, and other botanists gave their attention to fungi. From the economic standpoint, with the establishment of the Agri Agricultural Experiment Stations in U. S., there came the opportunity for investigating various diseases of crop plants, many of which at first were only suspected of being of fungous origin. Several Experiment Stations have trained investigators in this direction. European Experiment Stations have for a longer time pursued similar lines of study, and have made correspondingly greater advances. As a logical sequence, there came the searching for ways and means for checking the fungi preying upon the crops. A better understanding of the habits of these parasites has led to better methods of culture, but more particularly to the discovery of fungicides and the proper application of these substances for the relief of the crop-growers. The salts of copper have proved effective, especially the sulphate, when mixed with lime in the proportion of four pounds of the former IMG:content-1476.png:[graphic] IMG:content-1477.jpg:[blocks in formation] to six of the latter, and diluted with from 20 to 50 gals. of water. The use of this and other fungicides is becoming so general that machines for their application in a fine spray to the affected plants are to be found upon the market in many forms.