PODISOMA MACROPUS. 317 
small point varying in length, this process consists entirely of 
fungi which are developed in a cell, the external coverings of 
Which are ruptured as the fungus increases in size. In both 
the situations, when wet, they absorb, moisture very rapidly, 
swell and become much elongated. In the ** Cedar apple,” 
they often project to the distance of an inch, and hang down 
like tassels. In localities where the juniper is abundant 
these excrescences exist in large quantities, so that after a 
rain the trees have the appearance of putting forth large 
numbers of flowers, in consequence of the sudden elongation 
of these collections of fungi. 
The universal presence of this fungus in the tufts of acerose 
leaves above described have almost led me to the belief that 
they stand in the relation of cause and effect, though it must 
be obvious that the evidence is still far from satisfactory. 
Observations in other localities and other species will per- 
haps decide. 
It does not appear from any description which I have seen, 
that the acerose leaves described by botanists are confined to 
masses or tufts as I have stated above; but on the contrary 
linfer that they are scattered about on different branches, 
or as Bigelow says are met with on young vigorous shoots. ) 
Should the facts communicated in this letter prove new 
or in any way interesting I beg you would make any use of 
them which you may think best; if not, please excuse the 
liberty I have taken in addressing you at this time. 
With great respect, 
I am truly yours, 
Jerrries Wyman, M.D. 
To Sir W. Jackson Hooker. 
Tab. XII, f. 6. 
a. Magnified drawing of the sporidia. 4. The same, more 
highly magnified. c. The two cells in part separated after 
maceration in water. d. Cells completely detached. e. Spo- 
ridia germinating. f. Section o iCedar apple, shewing pro- 
