of the Gastromycous Order of Fungi. 153 
the change commencing with the parts surrounding the pileus, 
and the sporules may now be first distinguished in white de- 
tached masses. "The peridium next assumes a light brown co- 
lour; and being still partially pellucid, the internal filaments 
of a darker brown, and the interspersed groups of sporules, are 
distinctly visible through its shining surface (fig.d.). As the 
sporules attain maturity, the peridium becomes opaque, and of 
a full though lively brown; but soon cracking irregularly, and 
peeling off from the expansion of the filaments, the sporules are 
exposed; and the sporangium, from their dispersion, loses its 
regular shape and becomes ragged and broken (fig. e.). 
The curious and peculiar structure of this interesting plant 
now first becomes apparent, and causes it to assume a new and © : 
. altered character. As the seeds disperse, the filaments, hitherto 
: concealed, are ‘exposed to view; and by the assistance of a high 
magnifying power, are found to issue from the inferior surface | 
of the. pileus, as in the genus Hydnum; but infinitely longer in - 
PS rtion, and occasionally branched. The pileus is also 
3 fond XU be fixed ¢ centrally by its under surf: 
ice on the top of the 
pedicel or stipes, which rises independently” tly through the axis of 
the sporangium. When therefore, from ae ripening of the 
seeds, the peridium bursts, and the filaments are set at liberty, 
their elasticity or hygrometrical sensibility soon enables them 
to expand, and to acquire first a horizontal, and afterwards a 
more perpendicular or erect position. Many of them rise, like 
a curled lock of £ hais, above the Tiere giving. to the plant 2 a 
ments during their erection 1 compared to that of the 
whalebone 
furled. A few of them may be seen in fis. p just ¢ : 
*3 
e stretchers of an umbrella in the act of its being ur un- cur 
