GRIFFITHS : West AMERICAN FUNGI 301 
a wild guess, but it seems wise to call attention to the fungus 
in this way that others may look for it. 
On the whole the species is very inconspicuous, but when once 
seen it can be readily detected afterward. The most noticeable 
character is the rather early death of the culm while the lower 
leaves are still green ; but this is likely at times to be mistaken 
for the maturing of the plant. The Glocosporium stage is indistinct 
until late and really does not become noticeable until the sclerotia 
have disappeared as described below. Usually the sclerotia are 
formed in the lower half of the culm and fill its entire vertical 
Section ; but they may frequently be formed above the middle and 
even near the head in close proximity to the Gloeosporium-like form 
above. The method of liberation of the sclerotia is very interest- 
ing. The culm is killed, and consequently becomes dry, about 
the time that the sclerotia are mature. In drying, the sclerotia 
curve into a segment of a circle, thereby rupturing the tissues and 
falling to the ground. In searching for the cause of the early 
drying up of the upper portion of the plant it was these ruptures 
that first attracted my attention and it was only after a long search 
that the cause was. discovered. The external resemblance of the 
Sclerotia to those of C laviceps purpurea is very marked. 
