THE PI.ANT WORIvD 139 



FUNGI ON OLD LOGS AND STUMPS. 



The fungus flora of an old log or stump might be made the subject 

 of a special study, which would prove both interesting and profitable, 

 especially if it were continued through a whole year or series of years. 



There is considerable variety in the succession of forms appearing 

 during the seasons. In the summer the fleshy wood-loving mushrooms 

 appear. A beautiful example of one of these is shown in the upper figure. 

 The snow-white mass at the top of the stump is the coral hydnum {Hydniim 

 coralloides) , a striking and beautiful fungus, as pleasant to the taste as to 

 the eye. It usually grows in large masses and when once seen and 

 tasted it will always be remembered. The tougher species of pore and 

 gill fungi persist throughout the year and many of them can be found 

 as well in winter as in summer. About the sides and base of the stump 

 in the illustration is one of these forms. It has not yet received a 

 common name so far as we know. It is known to the mycologist as 

 Lenzites betuliyia. The upper surface is densely and coarsely pubescent 

 and zoned, the under surface is covered with tough pale yellowish gills. 

 It occurs very frequently on old beech logs and stumps, but is also 

 found on various other deciduous trees. 



The lower figure shows some beautiful specimens of a pore fungus 

 iPolyporus sp.). These plants flourish most abundantly in late summer 

 and autumn. The species are very numerous and varied in size, shape, 

 and color. 



These large conspicuous forms are but a few of a multitude of species 

 of fungi which may be found on a decaying log or stump. Examine 

 them more carefully, even in the dead of winter, and you will find 

 numerous smaller forms whose beauty and diversity can only be dis- 

 covered by means of a hand lens or compound microscope. Nature 

 always has something interesting and beautiful to reveal to those who 

 care to look, and in no part of her great realm are these things more 

 numerous than among the winter forms of fungi, which are kept con- 

 stantly at work in myriads tearing to pieces the dead and decaying 

 monarchs of the forest in order that others more noble perhaps may be 

 reared therefrom. C. ly. Shear. 



" Ohio Mycological Bulletin " is the title of a series of leaflets being 

 published by Dr. W. A. Kellerman of the Ohio State University. No. 4 

 has just been distributed. Notes and reproductions of photographs of 

 the fleshy fungi are published. It is intended especially for beginners 

 and amateurs. By mailing the small sum of ten cents any one may be- 

 come a member of the Ohio Mycological Club and receive the bulletins 

 as issued. 



