GASTEROMYCET^ ZEYLANIC^. 7S 



base of large cells usually well developed, limited above 

 by a stout diaphragm. Cortex subpersistent. Capillitium 

 of coarse, rough, hyaline threads up to 12 jjl diameter. 

 Spores globose or subpja-iform, apiculate, very minutely 

 warted, 3-4 [jl diameter. On the ground, sometimes among • 

 grass. 



The specimens from Hakgala are more globose, and the 

 sterile base is much reduced. The cortex in these specimens 

 shows a tendency to fall off in flakes, and the red-brown 

 colouration is not confined to the tips of the spines, but 

 extends over the upper two-thirds of the peridium. 



Lycoperdon Wrightii Berk. No. 2650, Hakgala, September, 

 '1908. These specimens grew on a dead tree trunk. Also 

 on a jak tree, Peradeniya, No. 4417, January, 1915 ; No. 

 5577, May, 1916. 



This identification is uncertain. The specimens have 

 the cortex of L. Wrightii, but the capillitium characters do 

 not quite agree, and they invariably grow on tree trunks 

 up to a height of 4 feet or so from the ground. 



In No. 2650 the specimens are globose, about 1 cm. 

 diameter. In one the capiUitium is thick, hyaline, and 

 septate, but in an old weathered specimen the capillitium 

 which remains, though septate and somewhat flaccid, is 

 fusco-olivaceous, 4-7 ^ diameter. The specimens from 

 Peradeniya are from a living jak tree, on which it has 

 appeared periodically for the last three years, but never 

 more than one or two at a time. They are narrow- oval, or 

 clavate, sessile, up to 8 mm. high, and 5 mm. diameter. 

 There is no sterile base, and the capillitium is very scanty. 

 In the available ripe specimens the capillitium appears 

 to have been damaged by insects, and consists of short 

 fragments, pale olive, unbranched, septate, regular, 4 [jl 

 diameter. 



The material at present available is scanty, and more is 

 required before any definite decision is possible. 



Lycoperdon purpurascens Berk. Thwaites 193, referred to 

 Lycoperdon 'pusillum Bull., in Fungi of Ceylon, No. 725, is 

 L. purpurascens in Herb. Peradeniya. Recent collections 



6(4)19 (10) 



