SYNOPSIS 



OF 



BRITISH BASIDIOMYCETES 



INTRODUCTION 



THE British Basidiomycetes include nearly all the larger British 

 Fungi. They comprise all the Mushroom-like Fungi, practically all 

 the larger woody corky and gelatinous fungi of trees stumps and 

 fallen branches (Hymenomycetei), the Phalli, Puff-balls and their allies, 

 and a small number of Truffle-like subterranean species (Gastero- 

 viycetes). The term Basidiomycetes is used in the sense in which 



Fig. i. Section through Mushroom, showing 



exposed hymenium (H). 



One-half natural size. 



Fig. 2. Section through Puff-ball, showing 

 hymenium (H) closed in. 

 One-quarter natural size. 



it was employed by De Bary, and not with the larger meaning 

 assigned to it by Brefeld, which includes the Rust-fungi or 

 UredinecB. 



In the Hymenomycetes the spore-bearing surface or hymenium is 

 exposed during development, as in the Mushroom (fig. i)j in the 

 Gasteromycetes the hymenium is closed or hidden within the substance 

 of the fungus until maturity, as in the Puff-ball (fig. 2). 



B 



