MICROSCOPIC HISTORY OF THE VINEOAIi-PLANT. 



67 



strata of the plant, a clavate mass of these spores was discovered with a 

 distinct stipes, accompanied by globular and irregular-shaped masses, from all 

 of which radiated minute filaments, as seen in Fig. 4, Dr. Greville informed 

 me that he was of opinion that these were not true spores, and so far as 

 he knew, no naturalist had ever discovered 'perfect spores in a fungus which 

 Avas in an unnatural position. I do not desire to question the opinion of 

 such an authority on the subject, but would modestly suggest that if they 

 were not perfect spores, they were at least an approximation to them, and tend 

 to throw some further light on the generic position of the plant. It has already 

 been stated that Berkeley, Greville, and Lindley are of opinion that the 

 Vinegar-plant is the mycelium of a PenicilUum, probably P. glatcciim. It is 

 with much pleasure then that I attempt to confirm, by observation, their 

 opinion; especially as it appears that none of these gentlemen have seen 

 the spores in the plant, I may thus hope to be of a little service in adding 

 to the weight of evidence in favour of their judgment. 



I take the liberty of copying the capital descriptions of the three genera 

 of moulds, from Dr. Lindley 's book, already referred to: — 



"MUCOR Micheli. — Microscopic, cobwebby masses, consisting of tubular 

 septate threads, bearing at the end a roundish membranaceous spore case which 

 bursts when plunged into water. 



M. mucedo, L. — (Common Mouldiness,) Cobweb-like; the fertile threads 

 simple; spores and spore cases, blackish. Habitat — fruit, paste, and preserves." 

 Fig. 5 is a small portion of this mould, obtained from 

 raspberry jam. 



"ASPERGILLUS Jf/c/ieZt".— Microscopic, cobweb-like 

 strata, producing threads, at the ends of which grow spores 

 arranged in rows, the rows themselves being collected in 

 pencils or tufts. 



A. glaucus, Link. — (Blue mouldiness,) cobweb-like strata 

 white, the fertile threads simple capitate, sporea loosely 

 packed, becoming glaucus. Habitat — decaying substances 

 everywhere. Cheese." 



