NATURAL HISTORY SOCIETY OF GLASGOW. 259 



or during fossilization, and of which only the tubercules or bases of 

 the spines now remain to tell of their former existence. We seem 

 to have much yet to learn regarding the perfect condition of many 

 of our Carboniferous Polyzoa, and it is only by the occasional 

 discovery of specimens which have not lost their appendages, or 

 other external characters by which their surfaces were adorned, 

 that any light can be thrown upon the perfect condition of some 

 of the forms. 



I find that the existence of tubercules on the surface of the 

 Polyzoa corresponds very much with the evidence now obtained 

 from similar appearances on many species of our Carboniferous 

 Brachiopoda, viz. — that these tubercules were in most cases the 

 bases of spines, varying in length and diameter, which have been 

 denuded away. Mr. Thomas Davidson, F.R.S., has been able to 

 illustrate in his Monograph of the Carboniferous Brachiopoda, the 

 more perfect condition of the spiny exterior of several species 

 found in the strata of Western Scotland, and which formerly were 

 only known by their tuberculated character. This being the case, 

 we are encouraged to continue the examination of all our tuber- 

 culated polyzoa, in the hope that specimens will yet turn up which 

 will help to throw light on the more perfect character of some of 

 the other forms. It is also probable that the discovery of these 

 new characters will necessitate a revision of the genera of polyzoa 

 amongst which they are now placed. 



II. — On Fungi. By Mr. Thomas King. 



In the course of his paper the author said that he wished to draw 

 attention to this branch of botany, as hitherto it had not received 

 much notice from the members of the Society. The subject is one 

 not only of scientific but also of economic interest, many species 

 being valuable articles of food, although quite neglected in this 

 country. The study of the Fungi is at present of special interest 

 for Glasgow naturalists, as the Cryptogamic Society of Scotland 

 holds its annual conference in this city next September. 



Mr. Kincr in elucidation of his introductorv remarks, save a 



history of the common mushroom, Agaricus camjiestris, from the 



germination of the spores to the production of spores again, and 



illustrated the paper by drawings and specimens. 

 vol. iv, S 



