THE FUNGI 81 



acquired their specific peculiarities from this associa- 

 tion. 



The structure of these parasites and saprophytes has 

 become so profoundly altered in consequence of their 

 peculiar mode of life that it is exceedingly difficult to 

 decide as to their relationship with the green plants. 

 Naturally all trace of carbon-assimilating organs has dis- 

 appeared, and the cell-structure differs much from that 

 of the Algae except in a small number of forms. The 

 reproductive parts, too, as a rule are very different from 

 those of the Algae, and it is difficult to see any structu- 

 ral affinity between the majority of the Fungi and any 

 green plants. 



There are, however, a number of fungi which show 

 unmistakable resemblances to certain algae, and it is 

 probable that these are really related to the latter. 

 From this resemblance to algae they are commonly 

 known as the Phycomycetes, or " Alga-fungi," and are 

 opposed to the " Mycoir^cetes," or True Fungi, the latter 

 showing no certain affinity with the Algae, although it 

 is not impossible that they may be connected with them 

 through the Phycomycetes. It must be said, however, 

 that the whole question of the origin and affinities of 

 the higher fungi is very far from being satisfactorily 

 settled. 



THE PHYCOMYCETES 



This class embraces a considerable number of fungi, 

 some of which show unmistakable resemblances to cer- 

 tain algae, while the relationships of others to any green 

 forms are by no means certain. Of the former class 

 may be cited the water-moulds (Saprolegniaceae) and 



