CLASSIFICATION OF FUNGI. 63 



the family likeness is so pronounced that even 

 the novice need not be doubtful as to the name 

 of the fungus when found. There are two 

 species that have slender, elongated stems. The 

 name is well chosen. In moist weather the 

 points expand and roll back or lie flat on the 

 earth. Then the round puff-ball in the centre 

 is plainly seen. 



In dry weather the star-like divisions are 

 rigidly turned in and cover closely the round 

 portion. u When dry it is sometimes rolled 

 about by the wind ; when it is wet by the rain 

 or abundant dew it absorbs the moisture and 

 spreads itself out, and rests from its journey, 

 again to take up its endless wandering as sun 

 and rain appear to reduce it once more to a 

 ball and set it rolling." (Underwood.) 



Order 4. PHALLOIDS, THE STINK HORN FUNGI. 



We come now to the fourth and last order of 

 the Stomach fungi (Gasteromycetes) that we 

 shall mention. In spite of their appellation 

 these fungi are strikingly beautiful, but their 

 odor is most offensive. They grow in woods, 

 and are also found in cellars. Their history 

 has been carefully investigated by mycologists, 



