The following instances may be brought forward as illustrations of the remarkable shapes which many of the fungi exhibit. On the trunk of the oak, the ash, the beech, and the chestnut may occasionally be seen a fungus so remarkably like a piece of bullock’s liver that it may be known from that circumstance alone. This is the Fistulina hepatica, or liver fungus. Its substance is thick, fleshy, and juicy, of a dark Modena red, tinged with vermilion. It is marbled like beet root and consists of fibres springing from the base, from which a red pellucid juice like blood slowly exudes. Of all vegetable substances this exhibits the closest resemblance to animal tissue. Even in the minutest particular it seems to be a caricature of nature, a sportive imitation on an unfeeling oak tree of the largest gland of the animal body. Like the liver it is also nutritious, and forms a favorite article of food in Austria, though it is somewhat tough and acrid in taste. Another remarkable species of fungus, called Jew’s Ears (Hirneola Auricula-Judæ), from its close resemblance to the human ear, clings to the trunks of living trees, particularly the elder, throughout the whole autumnal season. Another remarkable species, the Tremella mesenterica, common all the year round, on furze and sticks in woods, bears a strong resemblance to the human mesentery. It is of a rich orange color. This extraordinary resemblance which different fungi bear to the different parts of the animal body served to confirm the opinion of the ancient botanists and herbalists that they were animal structures, or at least intermediate links between the animal and vegetable kingdoms. Although fungi in general are sober, nun-like plants, preferring quiet Quaker colors suitable to the dim, secluded places which they usually affect, yet some of them depart widely from this soberness and exhibit themselves in the most gaudy hues. Some species are of a brilliant scarlet color; others of a bright orange. Many are yellow, while a few don the imperial purple. In short, they are to be found of every color, from the purest white to the dingiest black, dark emerald or leaf-green alone excepted. Some are beautifully zoned with iridescent convoluted circles, or broad stripes of different hues. Some shine as if sprinkled with mica; others are smooth as velvet, and soft as kid-leather.