66 M. C. COOKE ON MICROSCOPIC MOULDS. 



ance. It is not uncommon to find dead pupae of insects and dead 

 spiders bearing similar compact moulds ; but these are now 

 admitted to be conidiiferous states of Entomogenous Sphaerias, 

 belonging to tbe genus Torrubia. Probably several others have a 

 similar development, although the condition is at present unknown. 



That very common red fungus which is found at this time of the 

 year on almost every rotten twig, Tubercularia vulgaris, may serve 

 as a well-known example of the Stilbacei. It is, doubtless, entirely 

 a spurious genus, that is, the species which compose it are but 

 conditions of other forms, yet it is common, and fairly illustrates 

 the order to which it has been assigned, whereas species of the 

 genus Stilbum are not always to be met with, especially when they 

 are wanted. In Tubercularia there is a somewhat globose head 

 and a short stem, sometimes so short as scarcely to be recognised. 

 This stem, and also the head, is entirely composed of slender com- 

 pacted threads, and the surface of the head is covered with very 

 minute gelatinous spores, which form an investing stratum. As 

 this species is so common, I would advise everyone to make the 

 examination for themselves, and thus they will understand the 

 structure infinitely better than from mere description. It repre- 

 sents a compact complex mould, and in general appearance has no 

 resemblance whatever either to the true moulds, or the black 

 moulds, though more closely related to Isaria. From the stroma 

 of this Tubercularia its perfect form {Nectria cinnabarina) will often 

 be found emerging. 



Another very common fungus, found on nettle stems, which 

 again is a condition of a higher form (Peziza) belongs to this 

 order. It appears in small orange-coloured spots on the stem, 

 swollen and gelatinous when moist, but flattened into a little waxy 

 spot when dry. In this instance the receptacle is like a disc, and 

 in the perfect condition it becomes a shallow cup. It is much more 

 gelatinous and tremelloid than the Tubercularia, but equally com- 

 mon. From one of its prominent features it is named Fusarium 

 tremelloides, and not long since it was included amongst the 

 Tremellas. Let me advise everyone to take the opportunity of a 

 stroll or an excursion during this month or the next, and examine 

 the nettle stems which have stood through the winter, especially in 

 a damp situation. Near the bottom of the stem, often running 

 half-way up, they will discover myriads of little orange spots the 

 size of a pin's head. If a piece of this stem be brought away, and 



