206 CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE 
towards the centre; plicate below.  Perithecia elliptic, with a short 
ostiolum. Asci linear, containing a row of thirteen or more globose 
sporidia. Substance consisting of branched threads, which penetrate 
between the perithecia and form a close network, the perithecia them- 
selves being closely cellular. 
I have not seen mature specimens of Spheria peltata, Jungh. These 
are plicate or almost lamellose beneath ; the Philippine Island speci- 
mens, on the contrary, are even. The habit and general appearance, 
however, is so exactly the same, that in the absence of perfect speci-. 
mens of Junghuhn’s plant, I cannot but consider them as mere forms 
of the same species. The folds, it should be observed, are stronger in 
the specimens than in Dr. Hooker's figure, and probably arise partly from 
contraction. The fungus in situ reminds one of some crawling Natica, 
the centre being swollen and the margin thin and free. 
360. H. grossa, n. s.; receptaculo erecto crasso sursum breviter 
diviso miniato opaco; lobis obtusis ; intus pallide stramineo; con- 
textu lento radiato; peritheciis irregularibus confluentibus. Hook. fil., 
No. 99, cum ic. 
Has. On rotten wood. Darjeeling, 7-8,000 feet. July. Very 
rare. 
Inodorous. Receptacle 2 inches high, $ inch thick below, spring- 
ing from a tuberous base, erect, clavate, divided above into short 
obtuse lobes, externally of an opake vermilion which fades in the 
dry specimens to a pale reddish-brown. Substance pale yellow, dry, 
and somewhat coriaceous.  Perithecia irregular, confluent. 
Unfortunately the sporidia are imperfect, but so far as could be 
ascertained they appear to be minute, colourless, and elliptic. 
One of the most curious species in the collection. 
(To be continued.) 
Contributions to the Botany of WESTERN INDIA ; 
by N. A. DALZELL, Esq., M.A. 
(Continued from p. 180.) 
Nat. Ord. ANONACEA. 
. GUATTERIA. 
G. fragrans, n. sp.; foliis breve petiolaiis elliptieis acuminatis basi 
obtusiusculis glabris membranaceis nitidis, pedunculis axillaribus 
