62 Bibliographical Notices. 



following up. We have long since been convinced that the com- 

 monly received notions of the structure in this genus are incorrect, 

 and the published figures very insufficient. We cannot however agree, 

 even if the author is correct (which is highly probable), that it has 

 any affinity with Puccinia, much less that it belongs to that genus, 

 with which he unites it. 



To the correctness of the next point, viz. that Sepedonium roscwn 

 accompanies Verticillum cylindrospora, Corda, we can ourselves bear 

 testimony. Whether it be a parasite or no demands further in- 

 quiry. 



There are figures of some very interesting new species of Torula, 

 and of some extraordinary productions nearly related to that genus. 



Helicomyces is asserted to be parasitic on the hairs of Sphceria cx- 

 ilis, Dematia, Helminthosporia, &c, and destitute of any proper 

 stroma. Helicotrichum, Nees, therefore, is, contrary to the opinion 

 of Fries, a distinct genus. 



Puccinia Bullaria is figured as a Phragmotrichum* If the analysis 

 is correct, the species figured must be quite different from what we 

 have now before us, which does not differ from other Puccinia:, ex- 

 cept in being more closely invested with the epidermis. 



Under Helminthosporium apiculatum, a highly interesting analysis 

 of the genus is given. The spore consists, 1st, of an outer light 

 skin ; 2nd, of an inner, hard, coloured, horny skin, which incloses a 

 third, which, like the first, is light- coloured. Within this are the 

 septa, which have a proper membrane, and are not united at all to 

 the third coat, or connected with it. They inclose large drops of oil, 

 with which they are also surrounded. The apiculus is formed of a 

 proper skin, and merely adheres to the spore, without being clothed 

 with any of its coats. The drops of oil are what are sometimes 

 called sporidiola, and they require further investigation. We do not 

 deny that the cells sometimes contain drops of an oily fluid, but that 

 the so-called oil- drops are sometimes true reproductive bodies is 

 quite certain. The distinction between the genera Dor atomy ces and 

 Stysanos is well worth attending to, as it throws light upon a matter 

 at present somewhat obscure. Some of the latter will probably be 

 found to be mere anamorphoses of AspergUU. 



Chordostylum, Tode, an ill-understood genus, is shown to be allied 

 to Pilobolus. The flocci of Trichia are shown to be spiral vessels, 

 like the elaters of Jungermannia. The genus Chcetomium is figured 

 as ascigerous, a most interesting fact, which we can ourselves con- 

 firm. The matter, however, requires further attention. Myxascia, 

 Berk., is probably only a correctly observed Chcetomium. 



