Quote:
Originally Posted by kiltoncomp  Thanks for that information Alan,
as Rob says, there does not seem to be any sources of information on how to (easily - for novices to understand) prepare samples of lichens and to understand what you are seeing under the scope,
being totally without any skills in the use of a microscope does not help either 
a nice pictorial guide in simple terms would fit the bill nicely 
Brian. |
Yes, my intention for quite some time has been to write something of the sort for my site. I have been taking photographs for this for a year or so now, but I don't know when I'll have time to put it together.
One annoyance is that while I have been able to take high resolution photomicrographs on film, I haven't yet obtained the same precision with digital photography. Something I still need to work on (in view of the price of colour slide film now!)
As Jenny has said, Frank Dobson's '
Lichens', as well as being the best identification guide around, also has an extensive introduction on how to examine lichens. Not only is he one of our foremost lichenologists, but he also has the gift of writing simply and clearly.
Just occasionally I feel my own beginner's experience is not always matching something in his book, but such moments of doubt are few, and anyone trying to identify lichens should consult his book if they possibly can.
Alan